"However, in Arizona approximately 60 percent of whiptail species are
parthenogenetic, meaning that they reproduce asexually. These species,
such as the Sonoran spotted whiptail (C. sonorae), consist entirely of
genetically identical females that lay unfertilized eggs, creating a
population of clones. Oddly enough, many of the behaviors exhibited by
sexually reproducing species are expressed by these parthenogenetic
lizards. Females will engage in pseudocopulation and mount and bite other
females. Apparently this triggers hormonal changes necessary for
ovulation and egg laying."
So much for "lizard dignity" I guess. I think we should outlaw this
form of reproduction immediately! :-)
http://www.desertmuseum.org/asdmpress/natural_history/reptiles/cloeonyx.html
-- Brian Atkins Singularity Institute for Artificial Intelligence http://www.singinst.org/
This archive was generated by hypermail 2b30 : Fri Oct 12 2001 - 14:40:58 MDT