Final answer:
The advantage of offspring formed from parthenogenesis in Komodo dragons is efficient reproduction without males, ensuring continuation of the species when mates are unavailable.
Step-by-step explanation:
Female Komodo dragons can reproduce through parthenogenesis, a form of asexual reproduction where an unfertilized egg develops into an offspring. The advantage of parthenogenesis is C) Efficient reproduction without males. Parthenogenesis allows for reproduction in the absence of males, which can be beneficial in environments where finding a mate is difficult or impossible. This type of asexual reproduction ensures that females can continue to produce offspring and propagate their genes.
In the case of Komodo dragons, as well as some species of sharks and other reptiles, parthenogenesis has been observed primarily in isolated conditions, such as zoos, where females were segregated from males. This suggests that while sexual reproduction is generally preferred for genetic diversity and adaptability, parthenogenesis is an adaption that allows these species to continue their lineage in the absence of mates. However, it is important to clarify that parthenogenesis typically results in less genetic diversity than sexual reproduction and is not associated with increased mutation rates or greater adaptability to environmental changes.