What reproductive strategy allows *L. flavimaculatum* populations to produce exclusively female offspring without fertilization?

Answer

Parthenogenesis

Parthenogenesis is the remarkable reproductive mode observed in certain populations of *Lepidophyma flavimaculatum*, allowing females to reproduce asexually by producing viable offspring without any requirement for male fertilization. A key outcome of this asexual reproduction pathway is that all resultant young are exclusively female. This biological flexibility contrasts with the sexual (bisexual) reproduction occurring in other populations, where males are necessary to produce male offspring. This dual capacity for both asexual and sexual reproduction within a single species is highly unusual among vertebrates and is believed to contribute significantly to the species' ability to successfully disperse and survive across its varied geographical range, particularly in environments where finding a mate might be difficult.

What reproductive strategy allows *L. flavimaculatum* populations to produce exclusively female offspring without fertilization?

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