By Sakshi Sah
Published Mar 08, 2025

Hindustan Times
Trending

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Can animals give birth without mating? 7 fascinating facts about virgin births

Parthenogenesis means virgin birth- a type of reproduction where an egg develops without fertilisation.

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Virgin births occur when an unfertilised egg divides and develops, eventually producing a fully developed baby.

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It is a type of asexual reproduction.

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Many invertebrates, such as aphids, water fleas, some bees, and scorpions, reproduce this way.

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Some vertebrates, like Komodo dragons, hammerhead sharks, and even turkeys, can have virgin births.

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In species with only females, every adult can produce offspring, leading to rapid population growth.

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In certain birds, reptiles, and fish, females have both male and female chromosomes.

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This unique reproduction method helps species survive in places where mates are not available.

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