What reproductive strategy has been documented in female Zebra Sharks reproducing without fertilization?

Answer

Parthenogenesis

Female Zebra Sharks have been documented exhibiting parthenogenesis, which is a form of asexual reproduction where an unfertilized egg develops into an offspring. This biological detail is noted as an astonishing feature relevant to the species' evolutionary resilience. The documented cases, such as those involving captive individuals named Leonie in Australia and Zebedee in Dubai, confirm that this mechanism can function, effectively allowing the female to produce offspring that are essentially clones of herself. While the species is generally oviparous, laying large, tough egg cases anchored by fibers, parthenogenesis serves as a potential backup reproductive strategy, which is a significant adaptation within this cartilaginous lineage.

What reproductive strategy has been documented in female Zebra Sharks reproducing without fertilization?

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