The stick insect Timema monikense normally reproduces asexually
Vickery & Sandoval (Public domain)
Two supposedly asexual species of stick insects may engage in occasional bouts of sex, helping to widen their gene pool and avoid harmful mutations.
A handful of animals reproduce asexually, primarily through a process known as parthenogenesis, which involves creating embryos from unfertilised eggs. Some insects, reptiles, and fish species use this method of reproduction.
According to Darren Parker at Bangor University in the UK, one significant advantage of parthenogenetic populations is that all members can produce offspring, giving them a significant demographic advantage.
