What type of reproduction is characterized by the development of an embryo from an unfertilized female gamete?

The development of an embryo from an unfertilized female gamete is known as parthenogenesis. This form of reproduction occurs in some species of plants and animals, where a female gamete, or egg, develops into an organism without the need for fertilization by a male gamete.

Parthenogenesis can lead to offspring that are genetically identical to the mother, depending on the species, since there is no mixing of genetic material from two parents. This process can be advantageous in stable environments where adaptation to rapid changes or genetic variation is less critical.

Asexual reproduction generally involves the production of offspring without gametes, such as binary fission or budding, which is different from parthenogenesis where a gamete is still involved. Sexual reproduction, on the other hand, requires the fusion of male and female gametes, which is not the case here. Polyembryony refers to the development of multiple embryos from a single fertilized egg or zygote, rather than from an unfertilized gamete. Thus, parthenogenesis is the most accurate term for this type of reproduction.