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One Crocodile-American female (Crocodylus acute), wearing um Embryo without contact with malesnum rare case of partenogenese – virgin reproduction – observed in a Costa Rica Zoo. The puppy, 99.9% genetically identical to the motherit did not survive, but the episode opens new clues about the Evolution of Reproduction in reptiles and their ancestors.
Reproduction
What is part of the nogenesis
And the development of an embryo without fertilizationwhen the female alone gives off offspring. Already documented in Other reptiles, fish and birdsthis is the First evidence in crocodiles.
Or case
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The female lived isolated and put 14 Eggs; One contained one Fully formed fetus.
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Tests confirmed almost cloning (99.9% genetic identity), compatible with asexual reproduction.
Why does this matter
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Ancestral trait: scientists suggest that capacity can be inherited from common ancestors of the crocodilians – implying that dinosaurs They could also reproduce without males.
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Evolutionary window: reinforces hypotheses on genetic mechanisms reproduction in old lineages.
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Rare populations: The occurrence can be most frequent in low population densityfunctioning as Extreme survival strategy.
Source: Biology Letters (Royal Society).
✍️ Written by Contilnet
