Sex and Asex: A Clonal Lexicon.

Area of Science:

• Evolutionary Biology
• Genetics
• Ecology

Background:

• Complex life cycles involving sexual, asexual, or mixed reproduction are common across diverse taxa.
• These reproductive strategies are critical for ecologically dominant species, pathogens, pests, and invasive species.
• Understanding the evolution and maintenance of these reproductive modes is essential for biodiversity research.

Discussion:

• Investigating how reproductive modes influence genetic diversity, adaptive evolution, and species persistence.
• Developing a common framework to study the interplay between reproductive strategies and evolutionary forces.
• Examining the ecological and evolutionary drivers shaping the prevalence of different reproductive strategies.

Key Insights:

• A unified approach is necessary to understand the biodiversity shaped by varied reproductive strategies.
• Research presented at the 2019 AGA President's Symposium focused on the evolution and ecological shaping of complex life cycles.
• The symposium highlighted the need for a shared lexicon to discuss clonal reproduction and its implications.

Outlook:

• Future research should integrate genetic and ecological perspectives to unravel the complexities of reproductive modes.
• Continued investigation into how organisms transition between sexual and asexual reproduction will illuminate evolutionary pathways.
• A comprehensive understanding of reproductive strategies is vital for managing ecosystems and addressing challenges posed by pests and pathogens.