Author:

Keywords:

Science & Technology, Life Sciences & Biomedicine, Evolutionary Biology, Reproductive Biology, PARASITE-MEDIATED SELECTION, FRESH-WATER ZOOPLANKTON, BREEDING-SYSTEM, HOST-PARASITE, LIFE-HISTORY, DELETERIOUS MUTATIONS, POLYPHYLETIC ORIGINS, LOCAL ADAPTATION, GENETIC DIFFERENTIATION, EVOLUTIONARY ADVANTAGE

Abstract:

© Springer Science+Business Media B.V. 2009. In the current chapter, we discuss the peculiar but successful reproduction mode of cyclical parthenogenesis, using the cladoceran genus Daphnia as a model. We first focus on the cyclically parthenogenetic life cycle of Daphnia, the phylogenetic backgrounds of this reproduction mode, and how cyclical parthenogenesis impacts the genetic structure of Daphnia populations. Further, we discuss the advantages of sex. Finally, we change perspective and discuss evolution from cyclical parthenogenesis to strict asexuality in this genus, contrasting the advantages and drawbacks of both strategies, starting from the selective environment of obligate asexuals.