Scientists have discovered a remarkable case of a “virgin birth” in a crocodile at a Costa Rican zoo. The female American crocodile, which had been isolated for 16 years, laid 14 eggs in 2018, resulting in an intriguing finding. This article provides a thorough explanation of this topic for IAS exam.
‘Virgin Birth’ In A Crocodile:
- One of the crocodile eggs contained a fully formed stillborn baby crocodile after three months of incubation.
- Researchers conducted genetic tests on the fetus and identified it as a result of facultative parthenogenesis (FP), a form of reproduction without the genetic contribution of males.
- While FP has been observed in fish, birds, lizards, and snakes, this is the first-known instance in a crocodile species.
- FP occurs when a female’s egg cell develops into a baby without being fertilized by a male’s sperm cell.
- During egg cell formation, one of the precursor cells acts as a “sperm cell” and fuses with the egg, leading to fertilization.
Implications and Significance:
- The American crocodile is classified as vulnerable and faces extinction in the wild. The occurrence of FP raises interesting questions about its reproductive capabilities.
- The study suggests that FP might be more prevalent in species on the brink of extinction, providing valuable insights into the reproductive strategies of endangered animals.
- The “virgin birth” in the crocodile could potentially shed light on the reproductive capabilities of ancient archosaurian relatives, including Pterosauria and Dinosauria, dating back to the Triassic Period approximately 250 million years ago.
Conclusion:
- The documented case of a “virgin birth” in a crocodile at a Costa Rican zoo highlights the extraordinary reproductive capabilities of certain species.
- This finding not only contributes to our understanding of crocodile biology but also offers insights into the reproductive strategies of extinct archosaurian relatives.
- Further research in this area may provide valuable information for conservation efforts and the study of ancient animal lineages.
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