Parthenogenesis is a form of asexual reproduction in which an egg cell develops into a young animal without being fertilized by a male. It is a common form of reproduction in invertebrates and it produces offspring that are genetically identical to the female. Some reptiles and sharks can also reproduce by parthenogenesis. In animals that have separate sexes, the young that are produced by parthenogenesis are always female. Also see: Asexual Reproduction Sexual Reproduction Fertilization Internal Fertilization External Fertilization