Final answer:
Komodo dragons can reproduce asexually through a process known as parthenogenesis, resulting in offspring with 100% of the genetic material from the single female parent, which can lead to a lack of genetic diversity.
Step-by-step explanation:
Some of the Komodo dragon's eggs may not hatch due to various factors, such as environmental conditions, infertility, or developmental issues within the egg. As for the number of parents, Komodo dragons in some cases have only one parent due to asexual reproduction, also known as parthenogenesis. This means that the offspring will inherit 100% of its genetic material from the single female parent, resulting in a clone of the mother.
The process of parthenogenesis can occur in several reptilian species when males are not present or environmental conditions favor such a reproductive strategy. It allows for the continuation of the species even in isolation or in low population densities. However, this method of reproduction also reduces genetic diversity, which may affect the resilience of the species against environmental changes and diseases.