For 16 years, a female American saltwater crocodile lived a solitary existence in a Costa Rican wildlife park. That was until one day, a startling 14 eggs were discovered in her enclosure. Living devoid of a mate, this astute creature made headlines by achieving what scientists call parthenogenesis, or a “virgin birth”.

Source: BBCNews/Youtube

Virgin births are not entirely unknown in the animal kingdom, with the phenomenon observed in species like snakes and bees. However, this marks the inaugural documentation of parthenogenesis in a crocodilian – a classification encompassing crocodiles, alligators, and gharials. The breakthrough is anticipated to illuminate our understanding of why parthenogenesis is triggered and whether it is a widespread ancestral trait.

The crocodile, aged 18 when her eggs were found, had been living alone since being captured at two years old. Out of the 14 eggs laid, seven appeared viable and were incubated artificially. Although none hatched, one housed a fully formed stillborn crocodile foetus, proven to be female via DNA analysis. The study, published in Biology Letters, confirmed the absence of paternal alleles – indicating no father involvement.

Unlike mammals, reptiles, birds, and sharks lack a biological process known as genomic imprinting. This means that they don’t require a set of genes from each parent to form an embryo. Consequently, they can reproduce parthenogenetically, as explained by lead study author Dr. Warren Booth.

Parthenogenesis involves a female combining her own genes to simulate fertilization. An egg fuses with a polar body (containing nearly identical chromosomes to the mother) that’s produced at the same time, initiating embryo formation. This phenomenon, prevalent in ants and bees, has persisted for millions of years. However, it also brings challenges due to limited genetic diversity, making populations more susceptible to diseases and environmental threats.

Observed in more than 80 species, including birds, fish, and lizards, parthenogenesis in vertebrates remains relatively uncommon. The switch to this reproductive strategy in certain sexually reproducing animals is believed to be a response to adversity triggered by factors like hormonal changes or adverse conditions.

While this unprecedented “virgin birth” discovery in crocodiles sparks more questions than answers, it offers potential insights into the evolutionary history of parthenogenesis. It paves the way for further studies into why and how this unique reproductive strategy is employed by different species.

Ahisma Sweatshirt By Tiny Rescue: Animal Collection

Related Content:

• Critically Endangered Crocodile Died Slow and Painful Death From Fishing Gear Injury
• American Express Finally Agrees To Removed Crocodile Skin Bags From Membership Program
• Brave Man Removes Tire Stuck Around Female Crocodile’s Neck for Six Years
• Reddit Post Brings Back Story of World’s Largest Saltwater Crocodile Who Died in Captivity From Stress
• Trophy Hunter Boasts About Making a ‘New Purse’ After Killing Crocodile

Easy Ways to Help the Planet:

• Eat Less Meat: Download Food Monster, the largest plant-based Recipe app on the App Store, to help reduce your environmental footprint, save animals and get healthy. You can also buy a hard or soft copy of our favorite vegan cookbooks.
• Reduce Your Fast Fashion Footprint: Take initiative by standing up against fast fashion Pollution and supporting sustainable and circular brands like Tiny Rescue that raise awareness around important issues through recycled zero-waste clothing designed to be returned and remade over and over again.
• Support Independent Media: Being publicly funded gives us a greater chance to continue providing you with high-quality content. Please consider supporting us by donating!
• Sign a Petition: Your voice matters! Help turn petitions into victories by signing the latest list of must-sign petitions to help people, animals, and the planet.
• Stay Informed: Keep up with the latest news and important stories involving animals, the environment, sustainable living, food, health, and human interest topics by subscribing to our newsletter!
• Do What You Can: Reduce waste, plant trees, eat local, travel responsibly, reuse stuff, say no to single-use plastics, recycle, vote smart, switch to cold water laundry, divest from fossil fuels, save water, shop wisely, Donate if you can, grow your food, volunteer, conserve energy, compost, and don’t forget about the microplastics and microbeads lurking in common household and personal care products!