Mictic

Mictic is an adjective used primarily in rotifer biology to describe a reproductive mode that involves the production of mictic eggs during sexual reproduction. In the common monogonont rotifers, the life cycle can alternate between amictic and mictic reproduction. Amictic reproduction yields unfertilized eggs that develop parthenogenetically into female clones, while mictic reproduction is triggered by environmental stress, overcrowding, or suboptimal conditions.

Mictic eggs are typically haploid. They are designed to participate in sexual reproduction through fertilization by sperm produced by males. If a mictic egg is fertilized, it develops into a diploid female offspring. If it remains unfertilized, it generally develops into a haploid male. In many species, fertilization of mictic eggs can also lead to the formation of resting or diapause eggs that can endure unfavorable conditions and facilitate survival and dispersal.

The mictic reproductive strategy increases genetic variation within a population, providing a mechanism for adaptation to changing environments. It contrasts with amictic (parthenogenetic) reproduction, which generates clonal female offspring and maintains rapid population growth under favorable conditions.

In summary, mictic describes a sexual reproductive pathway in certain rotifers characterized by haploid egg production and conditional fertilization outcomes, contributing to genetic diversity and resilience in aquatic microfauna. See also amictic, rotifers, sexual reproduction, and resting eggs.