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parthenogenesis
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by bush_viper17 on March 8, 2005
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This is something neat I was reading about: Parthenogenesis is a method of reproducing without the help of a member from the opposite sex(without males)
Only one species of snake is parthenogenetic, and that is the small worm snake Ramphotyphlops braminus or commonly called the flowerpot snake.
Every specimen of R.Braminus ever found turned out to be female. The species is not rare so one would expect to find some males if they existed.
There are disadvantages in parthenogenesis. In sexual(normal) reproduction, genes from both parents converge and express themselves in different combinations in their offspring. That causes an almost infinite amount of variation in the population. Variation is important if conditions were to change because, most likely, some individuals will be better able to adapt to change than others.(the basis of natural selection and speciation)
Wtih parthenogenesis, however, all individuals are identical, except when rare spontaneous mutations occur. Being identical is fine as long as conditions remain unchanged but, sooner or later, a need to adapt to a new condition is likely. Without variation the species cannot respond to changing conditions and is likely to die out.
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RE: parthenogenesis
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by Scootertrash on March 8, 2005
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Hi Jeremy,
I posted on this subject maybe a couple of months ago but cant' find the post right now. I read about it in a little blurb in popular mechanics magezine. It was different though. It was about a retic that had been in captivity it's whole life and never had contact with a male and it gave birth. I personally think she got mixed up with a male but it was interesting to read none the less. See if you can find my post. I can't look right now. I'm at work. I believe I titled it parthanogenisis. There are replies that you may find helpful.
Clayton
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RE: parthenogenesis
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by Snakeman1982 on March 9, 2005
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One of my professor's was just telling me about a possible Thamnophis species that has been believed to have parthenogenic abilities. Apparently Edmund Brodie (not sure about jr or III) did the study so it may be pretty valid but I haven't gotten a hold of the article yet. I can't see it happening but we discover things all the time.
Excellent job describing the benefits and problems with parthenogenesis.
Parthenogenesis is common in lizards. Aspidocelis (Cnemidophorus) lizard species are excellent study organisms for this type of reproduction because they have species with both modes of reproduction. Plus many of the parthenogenic females will still "mate" with other females by role playing as males to stimulate each other to give birth even though there is no actual sexual intercourse.
Isn't biology incredible!
Robert
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