What type of reproduction do some ants and aphids exhibit?

Some ants and aphids exhibit parthenogenesis, which is a form of asexual reproduction. In parthenogenesis, females can reproduce without the need for males, producing offspring that are genetically identical to themselves. This method is particularly advantageous in certain environmental conditions where males are absent or rare.

In the context of ants and aphids, parthenogenesis allows for rapid population growth and colonization, especially in stable environments where resources are available and competition is low. For aphids, this strategy is often utilized during periods of environmental stability or favorable conditions, enabling them to quickly increase their numbers without reliance on mating.

While sexual reproduction involves the combination of genetic material from two parents and external fertilization refers to fertilization occurring outside of the female’s body, these processes do not describe how certain species of ants and aphids reproduce in specific conditions, which is why parthenogenesis is identified as the correct response.