Egg development without fertilization is known as

The correct option is Parthenogenesis.

Let's break down the concepts to understand why this is the correct answer:

1. Parthenogenesis: This is a form of asexual reproduction in which an egg (female gamete) develops into an embryo without being fertilized by a sperm (male gamete). It occurs naturally in many plants, invertebrates (like bees, wasps, and aphids), and some vertebrates (such as certain fish, amphibians, and reptiles). Because it bypasses fertilization, it fits the definition of "egg development without fertilization" perfectly.

2. Metagenesis: Also known as the alternation of generations, this refers to a life cycle that alternates between a sexual phase and an asexual phase. It is common in organisms like cnidarians (e.g., jellyfish) and plants, but does not specifically refer to the development of an unfertilized egg.

3. Gametogenesis: This is the biological process by which diploid or haploid precursor cells undergo cell division and differentiation to form mature haploid gametes (sperm and egg cells). It is the process of producing the gametes, not their subsequent development into an organism.

4. Oogenesis: This is the specific type of gametogenesis that results in the creation of a mature female gamete, or ovum (egg cell). Similar to gametogenesis in general, it refers to the formation of the egg, not its development without fertilization.

Therefore, the term specifically describing egg development without fertilization is Parthenogenesis.