Asexual Reproduction in Sharks

Researchers report the discovery that asexual reproduction is possible in female hammerhead sharks.

These findings were a surprise considering that this type of reproduction had not previously been seen in sharks. The researchers believe the female shark was able to reproduce without the help of a male by a type of asexual reproduction called parthenogenesis.

DNA profiling techniques were used to confirm that the baby shark was produced asexually. The baby shark contained no paternal DNA, only DNA from the mother.

Learn more about this discovery:

• No Sex Please, We're Female Sharks Science Daily