Asexual reproduction is a very special – though common – feature in nature. Sharks and up to 80 vertebrate species are known to reproduce in this way. Scientists found evidence of the birth of condor chicks by asexual reproduction. This news would open the possibility that majestic birds are also champions of this biological process.
According to researchers, female condors gave life to their chicks even in the presence of a male. The first exceptional hatching occurred in the early 2000s and the second occurred shortly thereafter.
However, the researchers decided to analyze the condors’ biological samples and discovered their particular hatching process. Thanks to the breeding program run by the San Diego Zoo’s Wildlife Alliance, it was learned that the chicks had genetic differences from the rest of the chicks.
Neither of the two pieces of evidence of genetic material was related to any sample from the males present. This meant that the chicks were genetically engineered solely by their mother.
“It was simply a surprise. Our results showed that both eggs possessed the expected ZZ male sex chromosomes, but all markers were only inherited from their mothers”- Oliver Ryder, director of conservation genetics at the alliance.
Condors, another species that use asexual reproduction
Although the chicks passed, their genetic samples allowed the discovery of something new yet very common in nature. Parthenogenesis is widespread among vertebrates.
Fish, reptiles, and now birds, are united by a very particular and fascinating characteristic; being able to reproduce without the need for a male partner. In birds, asexual reproduction has not been very common, but this discovery opens the possibility to further explore the capabilities of winged species.
In this case, something much more particular can be highlighted. In most cases of asexual reproduction, this is produced by the absence of a male specimen. In the case of the condors, both females had more than one male available.
The possible explanation is that a suitable male was absent. In this sense, the female condors decided to lean towards asexual reproduction as the best process. There is no doubt that much remains to be explored and discovered in nature. With each step taken by science, the possibilities of life and development are immensely expanded; we only need to be willing to feed our curiosity.
Text courtesy of Ecoosfera
Translated by María Isabel Carrasco Cara Chards
Phtoos from Unsplash: Nick Kwan/ SIAV IBIZA/ Alfred Kenneally
