Facultative parthenogenesis 

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Scientists have documented the first-known instance of a Facultative parthenogenesis also referred as “virgin birth” by a crocodile.

What is Facultative Parthenogenesis?

• It refers to a form of reproduction in which an organism has the ability to reproduce either sexually or asexually through parthenogenesis, depending on the circumstances.
• In facultative parthenogenesis, the female retains the ability to reproduce sexually and
  produce offspring through the union of sperm and egg.
• However, if mating opportunities are limited or absent, the female can switch to asexual reproduction by producing viable offspring from unfertilized eggs.

FP around the Ecosystem

• This phenomenon has been documented in several reptile species, including certain snakes, lizards, and Komodo dragons.
• It has also been documented in other species of fish, birds, lizards.
• For example, female Komodo dragons have been known to lay fertile eggs even without mating, resulting in the production of viable offspring.

Importance of FP

• FP has important implications for population dynamics and evolutionary biology. It allows females to reproduce and maintain their genetic lineage even when males are scarce or unavailable.
• It can also lead to the establishment of new populations or colonization of new habitats by a single individual, which can have implications for genetic diversity and adaptation.