Komodo Dragon hatching from a parthenogenetic egg

Wichita, KS - Sedgwick County Zoo has become the first zoo in the Americas to document that Komodo dragons are capable of parthenogenesis (reproduction without the contribution of a male). One Komodo dragon entered the world on January 31 and a second hatched on February 1, 2008 thanks to this type of asexual reproduction.




Parthenogenesis is a reproductive process that occurs naturally in some species including invertebrates, lower plants, and less commonly in vertebrates such as reptiles and fish. A parthenogenetic egg needs no fertilization from a male because it inherits and duplicates the mother's chromosome. Based on a Komodo dragon's genetics of sex determination, hatchlings reproduced in this way will always be male.

To inspire discovery, appreciation, and respect for animals and nature.

The Sedgwick County Zoo is a not-for-profit organization, accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). Look for the AZA logo whenever you visit a zoo or aquarium as your assurance that you are supporting a facility dedicated to providing excellent care for animals, a great experience for you and a better future for all living things. With its more than 200 accredited members, AZA is a leader in global wildlife conservation and your link to helping animals in their native habitats. For more information, visit http://www.aza.org/. Sedgwick County Zoo is also a member of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums http://www.waza.org/. Sedgwick County Zoo has been recognized with national and international awards for its support of field conservation programs and successful breeding of rare and endangered species. It's the No. 1 outdoor family tourist attraction in Kansas and is home to more than 2,000 animals of nearly 400 different species. For more information, visit www.scz.org.

Category:

Education

Tags:

• komodo
• dragon
• parthenogenesis
• egg
• Wichita
• Sedgwick
• county
• zoo

[ressica29]

I'm doin a bio paper on this right now! This video is totally awesome!!

[geckoboys]

COOL!!

[Paganist666]

cool