In a groundbreaking discovery, scientists have recorded the first ever crocodile virgin birth at a reptile park in Costa Rica. A female American crocodile named Coquita, isolated for 16 years, was found with a clutch of 14 eggs, a phenomenon known as facultative parthenogenesis (FP). This type of asexual reproduction, previously observed in birds, sharks, lizards, and snakes, has been documented in the Crocodilia order for the first time. Seven of the 14 eggs were viable, but none hatched, with one containing a fully formed but non-viable fetus almost genetically identical to the mother. This discovery and the known occurrence of FP in birds suggest a common evolutionary origin, potentially shedding light on the reproductive capabilities of extinct archosaurian relatives of crocodilians, including dinosaurs and pterosaurs.

Dr. Warren Booth, a researcher, parthenogenesis expert, and co-author of the crocodile virgin birth study, noted that the complex mechanism deployed to create the conditions, in this case, were likely inherited from the crocodile’s far distant relatives, the dinosaurs.

Scientists frequently turn to nature for learnings that help reshape man’s understanding of its environment, the potential to solve problems and find medical cures. Where will this latest discovery take the scientific world?

Leslie Samuel, Founder and Creator at Interactive Biology, shared his excitement about this first-of-its-kind crocodile virgin birth discovery and hinted at some of the intriguing possibilities that could domino off of further research into crocodile facultative parthenogenesis.

Leslie’s Thoughts:

“Scientists have discovered the first ever virgin birth in crocodiles. You heard that right, a virgin birth. Now this isn’t the first time this has been observed. It’s been seen in birds, sharks, and even lizards. This fascinating phenomenon is called facultative parthenogenesis. It’s when a species that typically reproduces sexually will reproduce asexually. But this is the first time it’s ever been seen in crocodiles. Now, I know what you’re thinking. What in the world does this mean? And that’s precisely what scientists are trying to figure out. Is it possible that other species can reproduce by facultative parthenogenesis that we never knew about? Is this a way for some species on the brink of extinction to still reproduce? If it is possible for reproduction to happen even in isolation, does this open new avenues for how we approach conservation and preserving biodiversity? Also, does this give us insight into how other extinct reptiles, like dinosaurs, how they reproduced?

This could transform the way we think about life and survival strategies in these ancient creatures. I believe this is a whole new realm of biology just waiting to be explored.”

Article written by James Kent.