Whiptail Lizard

9 years ago #9482743          

The "no evolution" thing isn't entirely true, mutation and selection still happens even with parthenogenetic reproduction. What's true however is that there's no active selection element to it. In most sexually reproducing animal species, mate selection plays a huge part in which genes are passed on and which aren't. Without mating, things get a lot more random.

9 years ago #9483017          

@MattStriker Also a lot slower.

9 years ago #9484194          

@Solarn Hmm, strictly speaking I wouldn't say it's slower, no. The mutation rate is the same, and because there is no recombination with mates, there's no source of 'healthy' genes to correct 'errors'. The genes in one line of clones are also stuck with each other in a way which sexual evolution avoids; they don't get matched up with other members of the 'gene pool', just one set of traits.

Also, large gene pools can supposedly have a stabilizing effect. In an asexual species, each individual is effectively its own species so there's nothing keeping mutations from going further.

9 years ago #9485744          

I do love my cute cartoon lesbians.

5 years ago #9831773          

Cartoon lesbians are the best!

9 years ago #9484195          

Another noteworthy quirk: These asexual species result when two sexual whiptail species decide to mate.

9 years ago #9483000          

...Random and sweet!

9 years ago #9482942          

There was a little not-for-profit cafe in San Francisco around 1996, intended as a gathering place for lesbians and bi women, named The Whiptail Lizard Lounge. Truth! It was near the corner of 18th and Guerrero. The space is now occupied by the Bi-Rite Creamery (which I suppose is amusing in itself if you're into wordplay).

9 years ago #9482936          

Aw, they're in love!