American crocodile makes history with first-ever 'virgin birth'

Scientists have documented the first-known occurrence of a "virgin birth" by a crocodile, which was found to be a result of facultative parthenogenesis (FP), or reproduction without the genetic contribution of males. The American crocodile is listed as "vulnerable" on the red list for International Union for Conservation of Nature. The discovery could lead to more information regarding the reptile's ancestors dating back to the Triassic or even Permian period.