Comparative analysis of fecundity in close amphimictic Aporrectodea сaliginosa and apomictic A. trapezoides earthworms, and the problem of reproductive advantages of parthenogenetic animals.

• Main Authors: Mezhzherin , S.V., Chayka , Yu.Yu., Kokodiy , S.V., Tsyba , A.A.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Publishing House "Akademperiodyka" of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine 2020
• Subjects: parthenogenesis; fecundity; earthworms; biological press
• Online Access: https://ojs.akademperiodyka.org.ua/index.php/Zoodiversity/article/view/91

The comparative analysis of fecundity and fertility was studied experimentally for the amphimictic Aporrectodea caliginosa diploid earthworms and the close parthenogenetic A. trapezoides triploid earthworms during two seasons. The individual fecundity of cocoons at is significantly higher in the parthenogenetic species than in amphimictic one. Fertility is in contrast lower in the parthenogenetic species, which results in leveled parameters of the reproductive potential. A generalization and analysis of the available data on the comparative fecundity of representatives of different animal groups shows that the automatic increase in fecundity in same-sex organisms due to the exclusion of males cannot be considered a universal rule providing biological progress and the ecological advantage of parthenogenetic organisms. This explanation is not suitable for hermaphroditic organisms. In addition, in some cases, parthenogenetic reproduction is accompanied by reduced fertility and even reduced fecundity.