What animals reproduce without a male?

Many animals reproduce without a male, a process known as parthenogenesis. Here are some examples:

Invertebrates:

* Bees: Queen bees can lay fertilized eggs that develop into workers and drones, or unfertilized eggs that develop into drones.

* Ants: Some ant species have queen ants that can reproduce asexually.

* Aphids: These insects reproduce asexually during the spring and summer, producing clones of themselves.

* Rotifers: These microscopic animals can reproduce asexually through parthenogenesis.

* Water fleas: These tiny crustaceans can reproduce asexually, particularly in favorable conditions.

* Some types of lizards: A few species of lizards, like the whiptail lizard, are all female and reproduce through parthenogenesis.

Vertebrates:

* Komodo dragons: While they typically reproduce sexually, Komodo dragons are capable of parthenogenesis under certain circumstances.

* Some sharks: Some species of sharks, including hammerhead and zebra sharks, have been documented reproducing parthenogenetically in captivity.

* Some snakes: A few snake species, like the boa constrictor, are known to reproduce parthenogenetically.

It's important to note that parthenogenesis is not the same as cloning. While parthenogenetic offspring are genetically identical to their mother, they still have some level of genetic variation due to recombination and mutations during the development process.

Parthenogenesis is a fascinating phenomenon in the animal kingdom, showcasing the diverse and adaptable ways that life can reproduce.