Haplodiploidy

Pronunciation
/HAP-loh-DIP-loi-dee/
Category
Reproduction
Plural
Haplodiploidies

Definition

A type of parthenogenetic reproduction in which males are produced from unfertilized eggs and are haploid, while the females are diploid.

Etymology

From Greek 'haplo-', meaning 'single', and 'diplo-', meaning 'double'.

Example

In Hymenoptera, haplodiploidy allows for the control of sex ratios by the mother.

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