Parthenogenesis is the development of an organism from an unfertilized ovum. It is a type of asexual reproduction where an egg develops into an individual without being fertilized by sperm. This process is commonly observed in certain plants, invertebrates, and vertebrates.

Process of Parthenogenesis:
- Unfertilized Ovum: Parthenogenesis begins with an unfertilized ovum or egg. This egg contains all the genetic material required for the development of an individual.
- Egg Activation: The unfertilized egg is activated through various triggers including mechanical stimulation, temperature changes, or chemical signals from the environment. These triggers initiate the development process.
- Egg Division: The activated egg starts to divide by mitosis, which is the process of cell division without fertilization. This division results in the formation of a multicellular embryo.
- Embryo Development: The embryo continues to grow and develop, following the typical stages of embryonic development such as gastrulation, organ formation, and tissue differentiation.
- Maturation and Birth: Eventually, the fully developed embryo matures and is born as an individual organism. It is important to note that the offspring produced through parthenogenesis are genetically identical to the parent.

Advantages of Parthenogenesis:
- Efficient Reproduction: Parthenogenesis allows organisms to reproduce without the need for a mate, which can be advantageous in environments where mates are scarce or inaccessible.
- Rapid Population Growth: Since parthenogenesis produces offspring without the need for mating, it can lead to rapid population growth under favorable conditions.
- Genetic Consistency: Offspring produced through parthenogenesis are genetically identical to the parent, ensuring the preservation of favorable traits.

Limitations of Parthenogenesis:
- Lack of Genetic Diversity: Parthenogenesis leads to offspring that have the same genetic makeup as the parent. This lack of genetic diversity can be detrimental in changing environments or when the population faces new challenges.
- Increased Vulnerability to Diseases: With limited genetic diversity, a population produced through parthenogenesis may be more susceptible to diseases and parasites, as they lack the genetic variability necessary for resistance.

Examples of Parthenogenesis:
- In some reptiles, such as certain species of lizards and snakes, females can produce offspring through parthenogenesis.
- Some insects, including aphids and bees, are also capable of parthenogenesis.
- In plants, parthenogenesis is observed in species such as bananas and strawberries, where seeds can develop without fertilization.

In conclusion, parthenogenesis is the process of development of an organism from an unfertilized ovum. It allows for asexual reproduction and is observed in various plants and animals. While it has advantages such as efficient reproduction and rapid population growth, it also has limitations such as lack of genetic diversity and increased vulnerability to diseases.