Saturday 2nd of November 2024
|
|
|
Headlines : * Russia fully supports North Korea`s actions to curb US aggressive policy: MFA   * Khamenei vows retaliating attacks on Iran, allies   * 36 fishermen held in Noakhali for catching Hilsa fish illegally   * Bangladesh explores avenue to boost revenue collection   * Yunus welcomes SAFF women`s football team, asks for written demands   * Spain flood deaths top 200   * Young generation will lead Bangladesh: Nahid Islam   * Chief Adviser urges Australia to increase regular migration from Bangladesh   * Severe Brahmaputra erosion leaves hundreds homeless in Kurigram   * US to assist Bangladesh to bring stolen money back: envoy  

   Wildlife
Scientists find crocodile `virgin birth` at Costa Rica zoo
  Date : 02-11-2024

Reuters

Scientists have documented the first-known instance of a "virgin birth" by a crocodile, which had been living in isolation for 16 years at Costa Rican zoo, according to a study published Wednesday.

The female American crocodile laid 14 eggs in 2018 within her enclosure, a not uncommon phenomenon among captive reptiles. The more puzzling fact, however, came after three months of incubation when one egg was found to contain a fully formed stillborn baby crocodile.

According to the study published in the journal Biology Letters, scientists tested the crocodile fetus` genetic makeup. They found DNA sequences showing it was a result of facultative parthenogenesis (FP), or reproduction without the genetic contribution of males.

The phenomenon of FP, which some scientists have referred to by the shorthand of "virgin birth," has also been documented in other species of fish, birds, lizards and snakes. The scientists said this is the first-known example in a crocodile.

In FP, a female`s egg cell can develop into a baby without being fertilized by a male`s sperm cell.


In making an egg cell, a precursor cell divides into four cells: one becomes the egg cell and retains key cellular structures and the gel-like cytoplasm, while the others hold extra genetic material.

Then, one of those cells essentially acts as a sperm cell and fuses with the egg to become "fertilized."


The American crocodile is considered vulnerable and at risk of extinction in the wild. According to one hypothesis, FP may be more common among species on the verge of extinction, the study said.

The scientists said the Costa Rica "virgin birth" could lead to new information about crocodile ancestors that walked the earth in the Triassic Period some 250 million years ago.

"This discovery offers tantalizing insights into the possible reproductive capabilities of the extinct archosaurian relatives of crocodilians and birds, notably members of Pterosauria and Dinosauria," the study said.



  
  সর্বশেষ
Russia fully supports North Korea`s actions to curb US aggressive policy: MFA
Jubo Odhikar Parishad demands ban on JP
Successful cooperatives indispensable to eradicate poverty
14 killed in Serbia railway station canopy collapse

Chief Advisor: Md. Tajul Islam,
Editor & Publisher Fatima Islam Tania and Printed from Bismillah Printing Press,
219, Fakirapul, Dhaka-1000.
Editorial Office: 167 Eden Complex, Motijheel, Dhaka-1000.
Phone: 02-224401310, Mobile: 01720090514, E-mail: muslimtimes19@gmail.com