noun
- A form of asexual reproduction in which an embryo develops from an unfertilized egg, typically requiring sperm from another species to trigger development but not to contribute genetic material.
Usage: biology; technical term; also called gynogenetic reproduction
Examples
- Gynogenesis occurs in some fish species where females produce offspring without genetic contribution from males.
- In gynogenesis, the sperm activates the egg but does not fuse with it genetically.
- Researchers study gynogenesis to understand alternative reproductive strategies in animals.
- Some all-female populations of fish rely on gynogenesis for reproduction.