Final answer:
Rotifers employ parthenogenesis, a form of asexual reproduction where offspring develop from unfertilized eggs, resulting in clones of the parent. This mode of reproduction is useful when mating partners are scarce or conditions hinder sexual reproduction.
Step-by-step explanation:
The special type of reproduction that some species of Rotifers have is parthenogenesis. Parthenogenesis is a form of asexual reproduction in which offspring develop from unfertilized eggs. It allows organisms to reproduce without a male.
Parthenogenesis results in offspring that are genetically identical to the parent, since there's no genetic contribution from a male. While parthenogenesis in general reduces genetic diversity, some species have evolved complex mechanisms to increase variety among the offspring. This type of reproduction is advantageous in environments where mates are scarce or conditions make sexual reproduction difficult.
Alternative methods of asexual reproduction include fragmentation and budding. In fragmentation, an organism breaks into parts that each regenerate to form a new individual, which is observed in species such as starfish. Budding is where an outgrowth from the parent organism develops into a new individual, commonly seen in yeast and sponges. Both are resourceful strategies enabling species to reproduce effectively when conditions are suitable or sexual partners are unavailable.