What biological factor explains how *Aspidoscelis uniparens* populations stabilize without males?
Answer
Parthenogenesis
Parthenogenesis is the critical biological characteristic that allows species like the Texas Whiptail (*Aspidoscelis uniparens*) to establish and maintain populations entirely through asexual reproduction. This means the population consists solely of females, and reproduction occurs without the need for fertilization by males, resulting in genetically cloned offspring. This mechanism enables a highly successful, adaptable female colonizer to quickly establish a stable population range in a new habitat patch, especially if geographic barriers prevent male migration, leading to rapid stabilization within that new territory.
Related Questions
To which genus do whiptails currently belong, succeeding *Cnemidophorus*?What biological factor explains how *Aspidoscelis uniparens* populations stabilize without males?Where is the Western Whiptail, *Aspidoscelis tigris*, generally found?What primary need mandates that whiptails favor open areas or edges of vegetation?What habitat structure does the Texas Spotted Whiptail (*A. sexlineata*) prefer over completely bare sand?What factor becomes crucial when studying lizard populations near Tucson, Arizona, regarding habitat use?What specific visual cue helps separate closely related whiptails in California habitats?What microhabitat feature provides temporary shade for a generalist like *Aspidoscelis tigris*?Why is loose soil or sandy substrate highly beneficial for many whiptail species?Which specific environment characterizes the habitat of the Arizona-Sonora Whiptail (*Aspidoscelis sonorae*)?