Parthenogenesis is a form of asexual reproduction where embryos develop from unfertilized female gametes. Examples include honey bees, Aphis, wasps, and ants.
The haplo-diploid method of sex determination in honey bee are:
- In honeybees, sex determination operates through haplodiploidy.
- Three distinct types of individuals emerge:Diploid queens (2n = 32), fully functional females originating from fertilized eggs.Diploid workers (2n = 32), underdeveloped or non-functional females derived from fertilized eggs.Haploid males or drones (n = 16), functional males formed parthenogenetically from haploid eggs, typically with a short lifespan post-fertilization.
- The diploid queen and worker bees arise from fertilized eggs, while haploid drones develop from unfertilized, haploid eggs.
- Male drones are short-lived and typically die following fertilization, constituting a unique aspect of honeybee reproductive biology.