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Scientists: Hammerhead has 'virgin birth' in zoo's shark tank By David Fleshler South Florida Sun-Sentinel May 23, 2007 A hammerhead shark captured in Florida Bay gave birth without sex, according to scientists who said they used genetic analysis to account for the mysterious appearance of a pup in a tank of female sharks. The research was to be published today in the British journal Biology Letters. The phenomenon, known among biologists as a "virgin birth," had been observed before among some snakes, lizards and birds, but never a shark, the scientists say. The issue arose in late 2001 at a...

As Christmas approaches, a virgin mother is awaiting the arrival of her offspring. In an evolutionary twist, Flora, the Komodo dragon, has managed to become pregnant without any male help. It would seem the timing is auspicious: the seven baby Komodo dragons are due this festive season. "We were blown away when we realised what she'd done," said Kevin Buley, a reptile expert at Flora's home at the Chester Zoo in this town in northern England. "But we certainly won't be naming any of the hatchlings Jesus." Other reptile species reproduce asexually in a process known as parthenogenesis. But Flora's...