How do aphids reproduce in spring?

How do aphids reproduce in spring?

• A. Live birth (no eggs)
• B. Laying eggs in soil
• C. Metamorphosis in water
• D. Budding from stems

Answer: (A)

In spring, aphids mainly reproduce through parthenogenesis, meaning females give birth to live young without fertilization. This viviparous reproduction allows rapid population growth on new plant growth as soon as conditions are favorable, with nymphs hatching directly inside the mother and being born as miniature adults. Some offspring may even be winged, helping them disperse to new plants. Eggs are used later in the season for overwintering, so spring is characterized by live births rather than egg laying. The other options don’t fit because aphids don’t lay eggs in soil in spring, don’t undergo metamorphosis in water, and don’t reproduce by budding from stems.

In spring, aphids mainly reproduce through parthenogenesis, meaning females give birth to live young without fertilization. This viviparous reproduction allows rapid population growth on new plant growth as soon as conditions are favorable, with nymphs hatching directly inside the mother and being born as miniature adults. Some offspring may even be winged, helping them disperse to new plants. Eggs are used later in the season for overwintering, so spring is characterized by live births rather than egg laying. The other options don’t fit because aphids don’t lay eggs in soil in spring, don’t undergo metamorphosis in water, and don’t reproduce by budding from stems.