Parthenogenesis in Nature

Naturally occurring parthenogenesis can take place in a variety of species under a number of different circumstances.

The Daphnia, for example, switch from sexual reproduction to asexual reproduction seasonally. When the environment is favorable, daphnia reproduce asexually. Under circumstances demonstrating environmental stress, the daphnia become sexually reproductive. [A]

Honey Bees tend to use parthenogenesis for the establishment of social organization. The male drones, or worker bees, reproduce solely through parthenogenesis. All females, both fertile queens and infertile workers, are created through sexual reproduction. [7]

Lizards are probably the best known example of parthenogenesis. Many species of whiptail lizards exist in populations consisting solely of females. These individuals reproduce through a courtship behavior that induces parthenogenesis. As the estrogen cycle in each lizard rises, that individual acts as a female until ovulation occurs. When estrogen levels fall, the male-like behavior predominates. If this courtship interaction is prevented, i.e. the lizards are raised in isolation, the amount of offspring is significantly less. [A]