Final answer:
Females of certain species can give birth to offspring without fertilization in a process called parthenogenesis, a type of asexual reproduction where an unfertilized egg develops into a new individual. This occurs in some insects, several vertebrates like fish and lizards, and is initiated during oogenesis, the process of egg production.
Step-by-step explanation:
Parthenogenesis in Animals
Females in certain species can reproduce without fertilization through a process known as parthenogenesis. This type of asexual reproduction allows an egg to develop into a complete individual without being fertilized by a sperm. In oviparity, fertilized eggs are laid outside the female's body to develop, but in parthenogenesis, no fertilization occurs. For example, some insects utilize haplodiploidy, where unfertilized eggs develop into male offspring. Vertebrates like some species of fish, turkeys, and rattlesnakes also exhibit parthenogenesis, producing only male offspring, while some lizards such as whiptail lizards can produce only female progeny through this process.
Oogenesis is another important concept, which is the process where eggs are produced by the female. Prior to birth, oogonia undergo mitosis to create a primary oocyte, which later undergoes meiosis to become a mature egg. During parthenogenesis, these eggs can develop into new individuals without the need for sperm.