A confirmed Virgin birth...have you seen this?
@beautyqueen26 (16030)
United States
October 10, 2008 10:15pm CST
Have you seen this news story on the Red Orbit
about a confirmed Virgin birth to a shark.
The female shark lived in a tank with no male
sharks for eight years.
Genetic testing proves that the pup (baby shark)
she was carrying contains no genetic matter from a male.
How amazing is that?
It's not clear whether mother or baby shark survived.
But it's interesting to know that species
might be able to reproduce in such a manner.
Check it out. This is the link where I found the story.
http://www.redorbit.com/news/science/1584453/scientists_confirm_virgin_shark_birth/index.html
4 responses
@masquedxangel (99)
• United States
11 Oct 08
That's so neat! I thought I saw something about that earlier but I was not paying too much attention so I didn't stop to read it lol. How fascinating... what a shock to the handlers eh? lol
@sedel1027 (17846)
• Cupertino, California
11 Oct 08
I have seen a few confirmed stories. From what I understand for sharks - and other creatures - this isn't a rare thing to happen. We are just now noticing.
@beautyqueen26 (16030)
• United States
11 Oct 08
Wow! This has happened many other times?
I'm happy to hear that. The shark population
is dwindling quick.
I hope they rebound.
In their own environment, they serve a very
useful purpose.
@aseretdd (13729)
• Philippines
13 Oct 08
I read about this in the news last friday... and i think it is like a miracle... since it is so rare that a virgin birth among animals is heard or seen... i hope they will be able to find out what triggered this... since this can be a breadkthrough in saving endagered species...
@mscott (1923)
• United States
11 Oct 08
I think this is the second one they know about but in both cases the shark didn't live. Other creatures, especially insects can reproduce alone so I guess it isn't that far of a stretch to think that when different species evolve it truly is survival of the fittest and they find a way to keep on going. After all sharks are some of the oldest creatures to the planet that have survived quite a bit.
