ARRHENOTOKY Meaning and
Definition
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Arrhenotoky is a biological phenomenon primarily observed in certain species of insects, most notably in the Hymenoptera order, which includes wasps, bees, and ants. It refers to a form of asexual reproduction, specifically parthenogenesis, where unfertilized eggs develop into viable offspring, predominantly male.
In arrhenotoky, the female parent reproduces without the involvement of a male through the process of meiosis. The resulting eggs contain half the normal number of chromosomes found in their species. These unfertilized eggs undergo development and eventually give rise to male offspring. However, it is worth noting that some species may produce both males and females via arrhenotoky.
This reproductive strategy is advantageous for species that face challenges in finding mates or have isolated populations. It allows for rapid expansion of the population, particularly in situations where males might be scarce. Arrhenotoky can provide an efficient and immediate means of repopulating an area or colonizing new territories.
The word "arrhenotoky" is derived from the Greek words "arrhēn," meaning male, and "tokos," meaning childbirth. Its definition encompasses the reproductive method employed by certain insects to generate male offspring from unfertilized eggs. Understanding the mechanisms of arrhenotoky is significant in comprehending the diverse reproductive strategies observed in the animal kingdom.
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A form of parthenogenesis in which the virgin female gives birth to males only, as in the case of the queen bee.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for ARRHENOTOKY
- zrrhenotoky
- srrhenotoky
- wrrhenotoky
- qrrhenotoky
- aerhenotoky
- adrhenotoky
- afrhenotoky
- atrhenotoky
- a5rhenotoky
- a4rhenotoky
- arehenotoky
- ardhenotoky
- arfhenotoky
- arthenotoky
- ar5henotoky
- ar4henotoky
- arrgenotoky
- arrbenotoky
- arrnenotoky
- arrjenotoky
Etymology of ARRHENOTOKY
The word "arrhenotoky" is derived from Greek roots. The term is composed of two Greek words: "arrhen", meaning "male", and "tokos", meaning "birth" or "offspring". In the context of biology, "arrhenotoky" refers to a reproductive strategy wherein females produce offspring without the need for fertilization from males, resulting in the production of only male offspring. This term is often used in reference to certain species of insects, such as some species of wasps and aphids, which reproduce using this method.
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