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Mourning geckos (Lepidodactylus lugubris) are truly a unique species. This gecko is small, as it only grows up to 10 cm or 4 inches. With a range of Hawaii, the South Pacific islands, and Central and South America, these geckos have one of the largest ranges among reptiles.

What really sets this species apart is how they reproduce. Mourning geckos are all female and reproduce through parthenogenesis, where the mother essentially clones herself to create her offspring. However, their genes have the ability to recombine to allow genetic variation and mutation. Like many other geckos, mourning geckos lay two eggs at a time several times a year. The eggs incubate for 65 to 103 days.

According to the passage, which of the following definitions most closely defines the prefix 'partheno-'?

Rationale

Without fertilization

The prefix 'partheno-' specifically refers to reproduction that occurs without fertilization, which is a defining characteristic of parthenogenesis as described in the passage about mourning geckos. This form of reproduction allows the female to produce offspring without the need for male fertilization.

A (Without shells) YOUR ANSWER

This definition does not align with the prefix 'partheno-' as it pertains to reproduction rather than the physical characteristics of an egg or organism. The term "shell" relates more to the protective outer layer of eggs or certain animals, which is unrelated to the reproductive process described.

B (Without incubation) YOUR ANSWER

While incubation is a stage in the reproductive process, the prefix 'partheno-' does not imply the absence of this phase. Incubation refers to the period during which eggs develop, which is a necessary part of reproduction regardless of whether fertilization occurs or not.

C (Without fertilization) CORRECT

This is the correct definition as 'partheno-' directly refers to reproduction that occurs without the fertilization of an egg, which is precisely how mourning geckos reproduce through parthenogenesis. This reproductive strategy allows for a unique method of offspring production.

D (Without females) YOUR ANSWER

This choice is incorrect because the prefix 'partheno-' does not imply the absence of females. In fact, parthenogenesis occurs in species that are exclusively female, as highlighted in the passage about mourning geckos. Therefore, this definition misrepresents the term.

Conclusion

The prefix 'partheno-' is correctly defined as "without fertilization," which accurately describes the reproductive method of mourning geckos. While other choices focus on different aspects of reproduction or incorrectly interpret the concept, understanding parthenogenesis is crucial to grasping the unique reproductive strategy of this species.

According to the passage, which of the following definitions most closely defines the prefix 'partheno-'?

Without fertilization

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