Bearded Dragons and Sexual Reproduction
Bearded dragons, part of the lizard family, are indeed capable of reproducing without mating or any type of sexual contact, a process known as asexual reproduction. Asexual reproduction in bearded dragons is only feasible under very specific environmental conditions.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Asexual Reproduction
Asexual reproduction can increase a species’ population in a very short period of time and also, ensure genetic variability for future generations by introducing new adaptations. On the other hand, asexual populations are more prone to genetic problems like inbreeding, which results in the decline of genetic variability.
What Causes Asexual Reproduction in Bearded Dragons?
Asexual reproduction in bearded dragons usually occurs under two specific conditions:
- Environmental Stress: Specifically, environmental stress caused by environmental extremes such as extreme temperature that can force a bearded dragon to produce a cycle of asexual reproduction.
- Genetic Anomalies: Asexual reproduction can also be a result of genetic anomalies in bearded dragons.
The Asexual Reproduction Process of Bearded Dragons
Asexual reproduction in the bearded dragon is known as parthenogenesis, a type of asexual reproduction where the egg develops without fertilization. Under this process, the female bearded dragon’s genes are used for the production of both genders, with the female being the dominant gender. The genetic material from the mother is duplicated and the embryo develops from the eggs provided by the mother.
Asexual reproduction is not as common in reptiles as in other species, but it is known to occur in species such as bearded dragons.
