uniparens

Uniparens is a term used in biology to describe a reproductive mode in which offspring develop from the genetic material of a single parent, without contribution from a second sex. The word derives from Latin roots, with “uni-” meaning “one” and “parens” meaning “parent.” It is closely related to concepts such as parthenogenesis and uniparental inheritance, but is employed to emphasize the exclusive involvement of a sole progenitor in the formation of the next generation.

Uniparens reproduction occurs in various taxa, notably among certain invertebrates, some vertebrates, and a number of plant species. In insects such as aphids and some wasps, females can produce viable offspring through apomictic parthenogenesis, where meiosis is bypassed and the genome is cloned directly. In vertebrates, examples include some species of whiptail lizards that reproduce via obligate parthenogenesis, resulting in all-female populations. Among plants, many angiosperms exhibit apomixis, a form of uniparens reproduction allowing seed formation without fertilization.

The ecological and evolutionary implications of uniparens reproduction include rapid colonization ability, maintenance of successful genotypes, and reduced genetic diversity. Researchers study uniparens mechanisms to understand genome stability, developmental pathways, and potential applications in agriculture and conservation, where controlled uniparental propagation can preserve desirable traits without the need for cross‑breeding.