Virgin Sharks


The Belle Isle Aquarium here in Detroit has witnessed what could be considered an immaculate conception of sorts. It will take a while for the genetic test results to confirm whether or not the three newly hatched bamboo sharks are the result of parthenogenetic reproduction, or if there is some other explanation as to how two female sharks produced three baby sharks (two hatched in July; and one last week). I'm sure there are a lot of people hoping to get to use the parthenogenetic excuse, which is common in snails and other common species, but not seen in "higher" species, to explain their own unexpected situation!