These Animals Don't Need A Partner To Reproduce 

Jun 08, 2023, 12:50 IST

C Krishnasai

Komodo Dragons

A world where females don't need males to procreate is that of the Komodo dragons. These behemoths of the reptile world can produce babies without fertilisation by a male

Sharks  

Back in 2001, a captive female bonnethead shark - a type of hammerhead shark, gave birth to a normal-appearing female offspring. But the baby shark didn't survive. Days later, researchers discovered that the baby shark's genes were an exact match to its mother's, confirming that it was a result of parthenogenesis, or virgin birth

Cape honey bees

The Cape honey bee, found in South Africa, has a unique way of reproducing called thelytoky, a specific form of parthenogenesis. In this process, unfertilised eggs develop into diploid females, carrying the usual double set of chromosomes.

Marmorkrebs

The parthenogenetic form of the North American crayfish called marmorkrebs is a popular aquarium pet. It surprised scientists in 2003 when it was observed that those kept alone were laying eggs that matured into thriving adults.

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California condors

A critically endangered species, California condors can reproduce without mating.

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