Question

What term describes the mode of asexual reproduction in which offspring develop from unfertilized eggs? a. parthenogenesis b. budding c. regeneration d. fission

Short answer

The correct term that describes the mode of asexual reproduction in which offspring develop from unfertilized eggs is a. parthenogenesis.

Step-by-step solution

Understand the different terms

Let's understand the meaning and process of each given term: a. Parthenogenesis: It is a mode of asexual reproduction in which offspring develop from unfertilized eggs. b. Budding: It is another mode of asexual reproduction where a new individual develops from an outgrowth, or bud, usually owing to cell division at one particular site. c. Regeneration: This is a process in which an organism grows back a lost part of its body or the formation of a new individual from the damaged part of the organism. d. Fission: A mode of asexual reproduction in which an organism splits into two or more daughter cells or organisms.

Compare the terms with the given description

Now that we know what each term means and the process they represent, we can compare the processes with the given description in the exercise. The mode of asexual reproduction in which offspring develop from unfertilized eggs is represented by parthenogenesis. The other terms, budding, regeneration, and fission, don't fit the given description.

Choose the correct answer

Since parthenogenesis describes the mode of asexual reproduction in which offspring develop from unfertilized eggs, the correct answer is: a. Parthenogenesis

Key concepts

Parthenogenesis

Parthenogenesis is a fascinating form of asexual reproduction. In this process, offspring are produced from unfertilized eggs, meaning there is no need for the union of sperm and egg. You can commonly find parthenogenesis in certain plants, invertebrates like bees and ants, and some reptiles.
This type of reproduction can be advantageous in environments where finding a mate is challenging, allowing species to reproduce in isolation.

• Allows rapid population increase
• No genetic mixing occurs, which maintains stability in certain traits
• Can lead to less genetic diversity since offspring are genetically identical to the parent

Parthenogenesis highlights the incredible adaptability of life, showcasing how organisms can survive and thrive without the need for a mate.

Budding

Budding is another intriguing form of asexual reproduction. In this process, a new organism grows from a specific site on the parent. You might think of it like a small plant developing from the side of the parent plant. This happens through repeated cell division at a particular spot, forming what is known as a "bud."
Budding is commonly seen in organisms like yeast, corals, and certain plants.

• Produces genetically identical offspring
• Efficient for rapid population growth in stable environments
• Buds can sometimes stay attached, forming colonies

Understanding budding shows the simplicity and efficiency by which life can continue and expand in various ecosystems.

Regeneration

Regeneration is a remarkable process where organisms can regrow lost or damaged parts of their body. Think of a lizard that loses its tail and then grows it back. But, regeneration isn't just limited to repairing. In some cases, like in certain starfish and planaria, an entire organism can develop from just a fragment of the original.
This ability is commonly found in lower organisms such as flatworms and starfish.

• Involves re-differentiation of cells
• Great for survival following injury
• Can lead to the complete formation of a new individual in some species

Regeneration demonstrates the incredible resilience and versatility of life, showing how organisms can not only survive adverse conditions but also restore themselves.

Fission

Fission is perhaps the simplest form of asexual reproduction, where a single organism divides into two or more separate entities. This method is highly efficient, especially for unicellular organisms like bacteria and some protozoa. Fission involves the replication of genetic material, followed by division into two equal or nearly equal parts.
There are two main types of fission: binary and multiple.

• Binary Fission: The organism splits into two parts, as seen in bacteria
• Multiple Fission: The organism divides into several parts, commonly seen in some protozoans

The simplicity of fission allows for rapid population growth, enabling species to thrive in a variety of environments. Fission is a testament to the efficiency of nature in copying and propagating life.