Why do some animals have 'virgin births'?

Some animals, particularly certain species of reptiles, fish, and insects, are capable of reproducing through a process known as parthenogenesis, commonly referred to as "virgin birth." In parthenogenesis, females can produce offspring without mating with a male. Instead, the female's egg develops into an embryo without fertilization by sperm.

HeartyBeast,

More interesting to frame it the other way around really - why would some organisms reproduce using this dangerous, complex, uncertain process called sex

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