‘Virgin Birth’ By Shark Confirmed: Second Case Ever

Scientists have confirmed the second-ever case of a “virgin birth” in a shark, indicating once again that female sharks can reproduce without mating and raising the possibility that many female sharks have this incredible capacity.

Lead author Dr. Demian Chapman, shark scientist with the Institute for Ocean Conservation Science at Stony Brook University, Beth Firchau, Curator of Fishes for the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center, and Dr. Mahmood Shivji, Director of the Guy Harvey Research Institute and Professor at Nova Southeastern University in Florida, have proven through DNA testing that the offspring of a female blacktip shark named “Tidbit” contained no genetic material from a father. Tidbit had lived at the Virginia Aquarium in the Norfolk Canyon Aquarium for eight years since shortly after her birth in the wild.

Click here for the full article.

Tagged as: Beth Firchau, Birth, Blacktip Sharks, Curators, DNA Testing, Dr. Demian Chapman, Dr. Mahmood Shivji, Female Sharks, Fish, Florida, Genetics, Guy Harvey Research Institute, Institute for Ocean Conservation Science, Mating, Norfolk Canyon Aquarium, Nova Southeastern University, Scientists, Sharks, Stony Brook University, Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center, Virgins

• Sheep’s Sex Determined By Diet Prior To Pregnancy
• Polar bear eaten by shark: who’s top predator?
• Zoo welcomes second baby elephant this month