[Campbell Biology P.1089] In the context of 'haploid offspring produced by parthenogenesis' i... | Practice Question

In the context of 'haploid offspring produced by parthenogenesis' in the animal kingdom, would a pair of such offspring typically be genetically identical?

  • A: Yes, because they originate from a single parent without genetic contribution from another individual.
  • B: Yes, because parthenogenesis always results in clones of the mother.
  • C: No, because the meiotic process that produces the haploid egg introduces genetic variation through crossing over and independent assortment.
  • D: No, because haploid organisms are inherently unstable and cannot maintain genetic identity.

Explanation

In parthenogenesis that produces haploid offspring e.g., through meiosis , the haploid egg is formed via meiosis. This process involves crossing over and independent assortment of chromosomes, which shuffles the maternal genetic material. Therefore, even if two haploid offspring arise from the same mother through meiosis, they will not typically be genetically identical to each other or to the mother, as each egg is unique due to recombination.