What behavior might asexual *Aspidoscelis* females engage in to stimulate ovulation?
Answer
Pseudocopulation with other females
Although asexual whiptail lizards entirely lack males and reproduce clonally, some historical evidence suggests that the females may engage in behaviors traditionally associated with sexual mating. Specifically, they may participate in pseudocopulation, which involves one female mimicking the mating behavior with another female. The function of this action is not for genetic exchange, but rather it is believed to serve as a necessary physical stimulus to induce or trigger ovulation in the participating female. This behavior highlights the retention of ancestral mating instincts despite the complete absence of fertilization being necessary for reproduction.
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