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Unprecedented case of 'virgin birth' observed in crocodile

A groundbreaking discovery has been made by scientists who have documented the first-ever recorded instance of a "virgin birth" in crocodiles. This remarkable event occurred when a female crocodile, who had been isolated for 16 years, was found with a clutch of eggs. The findings of this study offer intriguing insights into the evolutionary origins of this phenomenon, which could potentially provide valuable information about the reproductive abilities of dinosaurs.

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Researchers from Virginia Tech, specializing in parthenogenesis, conducted an analysis of the foetus, and their findings were published in the prestigious Royal Society journal Biology Letters. This groundbreaking discovery suggests that virgin births could be occurring in crocodiles without previous recognition. It highlights the importance of assessing egg viability even in the absence of male counterparts, as captive reptiles frequently lay eggs that are considered non-viable and are typically discarded.