At Shreveport Aquarium in Louisiana, staff are amazed by the birth of a young swell shark named Yoko, which was born in an all-female tank without any male contact for over three years. This phenomenon, likely resulting from parthenogenesis, highlights a unique resilience in the species. Although parthenogenesis is rare, it can occur in various species, including some reptiles and insects. Yoko's birth prompts further investigation, as genetic testing is planned to confirm the reproduction type, since delayed fertilization could also be a possibility.
This situation is incredible and shows the resilience of this species. It really proves that life finds a way.
Yoko is thought to be the result of parthenogenesis - a rare type of asexual reproduction where offspring develop from unfertilised eggs.
It's unclear why delayed fertilization would have occurred for Yoko's mum in captivity.
To learn more, staff will soon perform genetic testing on Yoko once it is big enough for a blood test.
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