Wild Sawfish Spawning Virgin Births
- 9 years ago
According to a recent study, researchers have found several wild sawfish that appear to have been conceived through a “virgin birth” or parthenogenesis, where offspring are produced without male sperm.
Scientists have discovered the first species of a vertebrate animal in the wild that can spawn through a 'virgin birth.'
Seven sawfish have been found in the waters of western Florida that were not produced with male sperm or as a result of sex.
This process, called parthenogenesis, is thought to be the result of two female cells merging to somehow create offspring, though many fail to survive.
The specimens were found by researchers who were genetically testing sawfish for inbre
Scientists have discovered the first species of a vertebrate animal in the wild that can spawn through a 'virgin birth.'
Seven sawfish have been found in the waters of western Florida that were not produced with male sperm or as a result of sex.
This process, called parthenogenesis, is thought to be the result of two female cells merging to somehow create offspring, though many fail to survive.
The specimens were found by researchers who were genetically testing sawfish for inbre