Some females of a population of sawfish in Florida (USA) have begun to reproduce without sex, the first case of parthenogenesis (virgin birth) of vertebrates in their habitat that has knowledge, according to a study published in the journal Cell Press.
Parthenogenesis is a common phenomenon in invertebrates but rare in vertebrate animals, among which, until now, had only in situations of captivity where they can not mate.
However, scientists at Stony Brook University in New York discovered a group of sawfish females (males do not have that ability in any species) that had been played by parthenogenesis in an estuary of Florida.
This finding came unexpectedly, while conducting a routine investigation into the genetics of small tooth saw, sort at high risk of extinction fish.
DNA analysis revealed that about 3% of the fish studied were the result of this unusual form of reproduction.
Sawfish could be the first family of marine animals in extinction due to overfishing and loss of coastal habitats, according to researchers.
The small tooth sawfish, one of the five species of this family are found mainly in areas of southern Florida, as Caloosahatchee and Peace Rivers.
Parthenogenesis involves segmentation unfertilized egg, launched by environmental, chemical, and electrical shock, among others.
“Parthenogenesis may be more common in wild animals than we think, “
said Kevin Feldheim, laboratory researcher Pritzker, the Field Museum of Chicago, where DNA samples were analyzed. According to the study’s findings, you may this form of reproduction occurs mainly in small and dwindling populations.
The parthenogenesis could prolong the existence of sawfish, but not enough to save them, the researchers said.
“This should serve as a wake-up call that we need serious global efforts to save these animals, “Feldheim said.
In the study, also helped the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (Commission for the Conservation of Fish and Wildlife) Florida.
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