It is a modification of sexual reproduction in which an egg develops into a complete offspring without fertilization. It is monoparental. Parthenogenesis was discovered by Bonnet (1745).
Syngamy : It involves the fusion of two entire gametes to form a zygote. The fusion nucleus of zygote called synkaryon. It is further of two types with regard to the source of fusing gametes :
Endogamy : It involves self-fertilization, i.e., the fusion of two gametes of the same parent. It is, thus uniparental. e.g., Taenia.
Exogamy : It involves cross-fertilization, i.e., the fusion of two gametes formed by different parents. It is, thus, biparental. e.g., frog rabbit and man. Syngamy is also of two kinds :
Isogamy : The fusing gametes are similar morphologically as in Monocystis (a protozoans). Such gametes are known as isogametes, and their fusion is termed isogamy. Although the isogametes are similar in structure, they have behavioural differences. e.g., forminifera, monocystis.
Anisogamy or Heterogamy : The fusing gametes are different in form, size structure and behaviour as in frog and humans. Such gametes are known as anisogametes, or heterogametes, and their fusion is termed anisogamy, or heterogamy. e.g., Plasmodium, vertebrates.