Difference between revisions of "Asexual"
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'''Asexual''' is a [[biology|biological]] term meaning having no sex or sexual organs or being independent of sexual process.<ref>[http://dictionary.reference.com/search?r=2&q=asexual Dictionary.com]</ref> | '''Asexual''' is a [[biology|biological]] term meaning having no sex or sexual organs or being independent of sexual process.<ref>[http://dictionary.reference.com/search?r=2&q=asexual Dictionary.com]</ref> | ||
| − | In nature asexual reproduction occurs in only one parent and in the absence of fertilization of gametes. | + | In nature asexual reproduction occurs in only one parent and in the absence of fertilization of gametes. Many single-cell organisms primarily reproduce asexually, although most of them are capable of exchanging genetic material with other individuals via various processes such as the complete merging of two separate organisms in a process called "conjugation". Asexual reproduction also occurs sparodically in various species of all the kingdoms of life, even including some vertebrates - for example, a species of shark (hammerhead) has been recently found able to to self-fertilize and produce progeny in the absence of males - see http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/18809674/. This process is called parthenogenisis, from the Greek words for "virgin birth". |
Asexual can also refer to [[humans]] or [[animal|animals]] that have no interest in sex or lack sexual attraction. | Asexual can also refer to [[humans]] or [[animal|animals]] that have no interest in sex or lack sexual attraction. | ||
Revision as of 13:27, July 1, 2007
Asexual is a biological term meaning having no sex or sexual organs or being independent of sexual process.[1]
In nature asexual reproduction occurs in only one parent and in the absence of fertilization of gametes. Many single-cell organisms primarily reproduce asexually, although most of them are capable of exchanging genetic material with other individuals via various processes such as the complete merging of two separate organisms in a process called "conjugation". Asexual reproduction also occurs sparodically in various species of all the kingdoms of life, even including some vertebrates - for example, a species of shark (hammerhead) has been recently found able to to self-fertilize and produce progeny in the absence of males - see http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/18809674/. This process is called parthenogenisis, from the Greek words for "virgin birth".
Asexual can also refer to humans or animals that have no interest in sex or lack sexual attraction.
