Why sometimes, even diploid offspring is produced through parthenogenesis ?

Options

A. When offspring is produced without fertilization of diploid egg cell
B. When offspring is produced through fertilization of diploid egg cell
C. When offspring is produced without fertilization of haploid egg cell
D. When offspring is produced through fertilization of haploid egg cell

Answer

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding Parthenogenesis**:
- Parthenogenesis is a form of asexual reproduction where an unfertilized egg develops into a new individual. In this process, male gametes do not contribute; only female gametes are involved.

2. **Types of Gametes**:
- In parthenogenesis, the eggs can be either haploid (having one set of chromosomes) or diploid (having two sets of chromosomes).

3. **Diploid Offspring Production**:
- Sometimes, diploid offspring can be produced through parthenogenesis. This occurs when the egg cell itself is diploid.

4. **Error in Meiosis**:
- The production of diploid eggs can happen due to an error during meiosis, which is the process that typically reduces the chromosome number by half to form haploid gametes. If an error occurs, the egg may retain both sets of chromosomes, resulting in a diploid egg.

5. **Development Without Fertilization**:
- When this diploid egg develops without fertilization, it can give rise to diploid offspring. This is the key point: the diploid offspring are produced from a diploid egg without any fertilization taking place.

6. **Conclusion**:
- Therefore, the correct answer to the question is: "when offspring is produced without the fertilization of diploid egg cells."