Caudata.org: Newts and Salamanders Portal

Register a free account today to become a member! Once signed in, you'll be able to participate on this site by adding your own topics and posts, as well as connect with other members through your own private inbox!
Did you know that registered users see fewer ads? Register today!

Kleptogenesis (in CC amphib glossary)

Jan

Site Contributor
Joined
Mar 3, 2006
Messages
1,625
Reaction score
35
Location
Philadelphia, PA
Kleptogenesis: A method of reproduction whereby a female ‘steals’ sperm from a [sympatric] sexual male. The sperm is required to stimulate an egg to divide (gynogenesis) but does not fertilize the egg and may or may not contribute chromosomes to the offspring. Unisexual Ambystoma utilize this unique method of reproduction.
 
Last edited:

Jennewt

Administrator
Staff member
Joined
May 27, 2005
Messages
12,451
Reaction score
146
Location
USA
Cool, this is a new word for me! Your definition is clear, except that I'm a little unsure what "(i.e., gynogenesis)" refers to. Does it refer to the situation when the male does not contribute chromosomes? Is either word (klept- or gyno-) the same as (or a form of) parthenogenesis?
 

Jan

Site Contributor
Joined
Mar 3, 2006
Messages
1,625
Reaction score
35
Location
Philadelphia, PA
Jen - gynogenesis and kleptogenesis are often used interchangeably. Gynogenesis is the process of sperm stimulation to an egg to cause division - the male's DNA is typically not transferred to the offspring. Kleptogenesis seems to be the more prominent word now in that it not only describes gynogenesis but also the method by which it is obtained..."stealing it" [klepto] for stimulation but not fertilization, so to speak. This is a parthenogenesis-like process in that the egg is not fertilized by a male. The need for sperm stimulation is not required in parthenogenesis.
 
General chit-chat
Help Users
  • No one is chatting at the moment.
    There are no messages in the chat. Be the first one to say Hi!
    Top