Asexual reproduction

A method of reproduction involving one parent, where the offspring are genetically identical to the parent. Asexual reproduction can occur in plants, fungi and even some animals. There are also a number of different methods of asexual reproduction.

Examples of animal asexual reproduction

• Parthenogenesis: This type of self-reproduction occurs in animals without sex chromosomes such as ants and bees. Essentially it allows the development of an unfertilised egg into a fully functional individual. This would be impossible for humans.