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Glite Dictionary
parthenogenesis

parthenogenesis

1 9.9
An egg grows into a new animal or plant without being fertilized
  • noun
  • /ˌpɑrθənoʊˈdʒɛnɪsɪs/
  • Specialized
translation icon : partenogénesis
  • There are a few creatures out there that are capable of parthenogenesis.

Examples

  • Scientists are studying parthenogenesis in certain plants, as it may help in their cultivation and propagation.

  • Parthenogenesis, as it exists, is always a female producing another female.

    Blog text (23)

  • In addition, many of these species are able to reproduce by parthenogenesis.

    Academic text (2010)

  • Espera's birth, for one, may have been the first account of parthenogenesis in smooth hound sharks.

  • The populations that I am studying are entirely female and reproduce by parthenogenesis; that is, reproduction without males through the development of an unfertilized egg.

    Academic text (1994)

  • Two species of wild pitviper were found to create fatherless progeny through a phenomenon known as "facultative parthenogenesis."

    Blog text (13)

  • Many species of reptiles can reproduce through parthenogenesis, allowing them to thrive in solitary environments.

  • The phenomenon of parthenogenesis is fascinating because it enables organisms to produce offspring without fertilization.

Synonyms

asexual reproduction
vsparthenogenesis
  • Specialized
1 4.6

A way of making new living things from one parent without sex that makes identical copies

is the same idea but more specifically about egg development without fertilization
parthenogeny
vsparthenogenesis
  • Specialized
9.9

A way an egg grows into a new animal or plant without being fertilized

is the same biological process but called by a different term
agamogenesis
vsparthenogenesis
  • Specialized
9.9

Reproduction that happens without sex cells joining in some plants and animals

is narrower, focusing specifically on egg development without fertilization

Surface Forms

parthenogenesis singular
parthenogeneses plural

Morphology

parthenogenesis = genesis (opaque) = partheno + genesis

The prefix 'partheno-' is not a productive English morpheme and requires specialized knowledge of Greek to understand its meaning.

Etymology

Parthenogenesis comes from two Greek parts: partheno- meaning 'virgin' and -genesis meaning 'birth' or 'origin'. So it literally means 'virgin birth' and describes an egg becoming a new animal or plant without being fertilized.