Nature and it’s marvels never cease to amaze us. Some of it’s inhabitants are capable of reproducing without mating, a phenomenon known as parthenogenesis. In this process, a female creates an embryo from an unfertilized egg, resulting in offspring either all male or all female.
When this method is the only mode of reproduction for an animal, it’s called obligate parthenogenesis.
Here are the 8 such animals that reproduce without mating.
List of animals that have virgin births
Komodo Dragons
In 2006, scientists discovered that Komodo dragons (Varanus komodoensis), one of the deadliest reptiles in the world, could reproduce without males. At the time, a female Komodo dragon at Chester Zoo in the U.K. laid 25 eggs without having been in contact with any males.
Sharks
Bonnethead sharks (Sphyrna tiburo) are among the shark species known to reproduce via parthenogenesis. At Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, a female bonnethead gave birth to a juvenile shark despite never having been exposed to males. This event confirmed that sharks could undergo parthenogenesis. Other shark species, including zebra sharks (Stegostoma tigrinum), blacktip reef sharks (Carcharhinus melanopterus), and smooth-hound sharks (Mustelus mustelus), have also exhibited virgin births.
California Condors
California condors (Gymnogyps californianus) can reproduce without males even when they are present. Genetic testing revealed that two male chicks born to a female condor in San Diego Zoo carried only their mother’s DNA.
Stick insects
Stick insects, particularly those in the genus Timema, predominantly reproduce through parthenogenesis. While asexual reproduction is common among these insects, it can limit their ability to adapt to changing environments.
To counteract this, some Timema species occasionally engage in sexual reproduction, enhancing genetic diversity.
Blind snakes
The brahminy blind snake (Ramphotyphlops braminus) is believed to reproduce exclusively asexually, with only female individuals ever observed.
Tardigrades
Tardigrades, microscopic water-dwelling creatures, can reproduce both sexually and asexually. However, parthenogenesis is more common in their lake and terrestrial habitats.
Crocodiles
Crocodiles can reproduce without mating through a process known as parthenogenesis. This form of asexual reproduction allows embryos to develop from unfertilized eggs, without the need for male fertilisation. Although it is rare and was recently documented for the first time in crocodiles, parthenogenesis has been observed in other reptiles, such as some species of snakes and lizards. The discovery in crocodiles suggests that this ability might have existed in their ancient ancestors, potentially including dinosaurs and pterosaurs.
Mollyfish
Amazon mollies (Poecilia formosa) exhibit a unique form of parthenogenesis known as sperm-dependent parthenogenesis. These all-female fish use sperm from males of related species to trigger egg formation, though the sperm does not contribute genetic material to the egg.
