What reproductive method allows an entire female population of L. flavimaculatum to produce clones without male fertilization?

Answer

Parthenogenesis

One of the most fascinating biological traits of the Yellow-spotted night lizard is its reproductive flexibility, specifically its ability to reproduce via parthenogenesis. Parthenogenesis is a form of asexual reproduction where females are capable of producing viable offspring that are essentially clones of themselves, entirely bypassing the need for fertilization by a male. While the species can also produce male offspring when actual fertilization does occur, the capacity for asexual reproduction is a unique survival mechanism, particularly relevant given their secretive nature.

What reproductive method allows an entire female population of L. flavimaculatum to produce clones without male fertilization?

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