Thelytokous Parthenogenesis

Pronunciation
/THE-li-tok-oos PAR-theno-genesis/
Category
Reproduction
Singular
Thelytoky
Plural
Thelytokies

Definition

A form of parthenogenesis in which females only are produced, and all offspring are female. The term describes a specific type of thelytoky where eggs develop without fertilization.

Etymology

From Greek 'thelys' meaning 'female', and 'tokos' meaning 'begetting'.

Example

Thelytoky allows for the rapid production of female offspring in species where females are needed to maintain a population.

Synonyms

  • Obligatory Thelytoky

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