'Twinning'

[Aerlinn]

Came across this question: Is twinning an example of asexual reproduction? Give reasons for your answer.
Twinning? What's that?

[canalon]

Formation of twins? But I am not sure of that...

[MrMistery]

LOL... I also thought about that but it sounded weird...

[zenith_beth]

I think that 'twinning' refers to the formation of twins.. it wouldn't sound so weird because after all it's like a sort of form of asexual reproduction, since the cell splits into two. But this is only correct for when the fertilised ovum (pre-embryo) splits into two forming two identical pre-embryos. In the case where the twins are formed by two different sperm fertilising two different ova (ie. the mother would have produced two ova instead of one) then, obviously, twinning cannot said to be a form of asexual reproduction!

[shanec14]

twinning is the forming of two crystals or parts of crystals. not humans

[zenith_beth]

I don't think it can possibly be referring to crystals in this case because the question contians the term "asexual reproduction".. and.. well.. only a living organism can under asexual reproduction!!

[DJ]

I don't think it can possibly be referring to crystals in this case because the question contians the term "asexual reproduction".. and.. well.. only a living organism can under asexual reproduction!!

But all it's asking is if twinning is a form of asexual reproduction. If it's the formation of crystals, then the answer would be no.

[zenith_beth]

DJ you might be right.. but I think it is referring to living organisms since this is biology!! and also if the question says "Give reasons for your answer" what reasonS would you give if twinning was referring to the formation of crystals??

[DJ]

DJ you might be right.. but I think it is referring to living organisms since this is biology!! and also if the question says "Give reasons for your answer" what reasonS would you give if twinning was referring to the formation of crystals??

That's easy. I would just say:

No, twinning is not an example of asexual reproduction.

Reason:

Although twinning results in the production of crystals, this is not true asexual reproduction even though something is being produced. Asexual reproduction must be done by a living organism. Since the crystals are not living, they cannot participate in asexual reproduction.


Big deal if this is biology or not. The question never said that twinning must be a biological concept. Seems pretty cut and dry to me as long as you know what twinning is, which the original poster didn't, which is why he posted the question.

[zenith_beth]

Ok, ok.. I get the point! I just think the the poster should look at the question in its context - that Aerlin can get the answer!