ABSTRACT
Studies of geographical patterns of parthenogenesis in animals have presented that parthenogenetic lineages are more frequently found at higher latitudes, at higher elevations, and in deglaciated areas. The patterns of development within an apomictic complex may be deduced from three main sources: the taxonomic complexity of the apomicts; the progression in the polyploidy level from low to high numbers; and the geographical distribution pattern. Apomicts may indicate that the geographic trends of apomicts are, at least in part, explained by a superior colonizing ability, but other explanations are possible. Mature agamic complexes, where related sexuals may be found and evolution has gone so far that the complex consists of numerous microspecies occupying large geographical areas, may be exemplified by several groups. Examples of mature agamic complexes, as given by V. Grant, are groups such as Crepis, Rubus, Taraxacum, Hieracium, and Citrus.
