Nokea
Mourning geckos (Lepidodactylus lugubris) are truly a unique species. This gecko is small, as it only grows up to 10 cm or 4 inches. With a range of Hawaii, the South Pacific islands, and Central and South America, these geckos have one of the largest ranges among reptiles.
What really sets this species apart is how they reproduce. Mourning geckos are all female and reproduce through parthenogenesis, where the mother essentially clones herself to create her offspring. However, their genes have the ability to recombine to allow genetic variation and mutation. Like many other geckos, mourning geckos lay two eggs at a time several times a year. The eggs incubate for 65 to 103 days.
According to the passage, which of the following definitions most closely defines the prefix 'partheno-'?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'Without fertilization.' The prefix 'partheno-' is commonly used in biological terms related to reproduction and refers to a form of asexual reproduction where offspring develop from unfertilized eggs. In this case, mourning geckos reproduce through parthenogenesis, where the mother essentially clones herself to create offspring without the need for fertilization. The prefix 'partheno-' is specifically associated with reproduction and not with other aspects like shells, incubation, or females, making choice C the most accurate definition.