Question

Differentiate between Parthenocarpy and Parthenogenesis. Give one example of each.

Answer 1

Parthenogenesis	Parthenocarpy
It is a type of reproduction in which unfertilized egg or ovule develops into a new organism.	It is a process in which unfertilized ovule develops into a seedless fruit.
It produces haploid organisms	It results in the production of seedless fruits.
It is common in both plants and animals	It is common in flowering plants.
It is common in both plants and animals	It is common in flowering plants
It commonly occurs in honeybees, rotifers, some lizards and birds.	It commonly occurs in banana, seedless watermelons, etc

Answer 2

In most plants, flowers need to be pollinated and fertilized to produce fruits. However, some plants can produce fruits before fertilization or without fertilization. Parthenocarpy is the process which produces fruits from unfertilized ovules in plants. Unfertilized ovules develop into fruits prior to fertilization. These fruits do not contain seeds.

Parthenogenesis is a type of reproduction commonly shown in organisms mainly by some invertebrates and lower plants. It can be described as a process in which unfertilized ovum develops into an individual (virgin birth) without fertilization. Therefore, it can be considered as a method of asexual reproduction.

It is seen in organisms like rotifers, honeybees and even some lizards and birds (turkey).

The key difference between parthenogenesis and parthenocarpy is, parthenogenesis is shown by animals and plants while parthenocarpy is shown only by plants