As if setting out to prove how strange our world truly is, scientists have discovered a new species of lizard that reproduces by cloning itself. The species was discovered being sold at a Vietnamese all you can eat buffet. Despite the fact that the creatures had escaped documentation, the species is apparently very tasty. The real bounty, however, may be the scientific knowledge derived from studying this new species that reproduces by cloning itself.
Ngo Van Tri's quest to study the mysterious creatures began when he stopped in for a bit to eat and got a healthy portion of mystery on the side. The lizards, now dubbed Leiolepis ngovantrii, were being sold in tanks and grilled up on site. Aside from tasting a bit gamey, the lizards reportedly have one of the most incredible asexual forms of reproduction seen by modern science. Unfortunately, the owner of the restaurant had all the lizards eaten before a thorough study could begin. Fortunately, there were plenty more at other restaurants being sold and the scientists gathered together as many samples as they could before they disappeared.
The new species is scheduled to be studied at La Sierra University in Riverside California. And at the top of the list of traits to be studied will likely be the lizard's incredible capacity for parthenogenesis - that is the ability to become pregnant without the assistance of a male of the species. Asexual reproduction is not entirely unheard of in vertebrates, but is still considered unique enough to be rare. A commonly cited example of a species that possesses the ability to reproduce through parthenogenesis is the New Mexico Whiptail. It should be noted that the New Mexico Whiptale engages in a process very similar to mating, but not entirely and it is largely unknown why. If the new species is like the Cnemidophorus neomexicanus, then it may engage in a similar ritual.
It will also be interesting to note whether the genetic offspring of these lizards are perfect clones of their parents or a variation. If they were clones, it would stand to reason that the species in its current form is relatively new or its environment has remained very static for an incredibly long time. It would also be incredibly unique if this was the case. If, however, there are genetic variations in the species between offspring and mother and between each litter of offspring, then it may have quite a bit in common with the Cnemidophorus neomexicanus.
Other species that reproduce asexually are the water beetle, the certain species of crayfish, boa constrictors, and even komodo dragons. The latter two can become a problem for obvious reasons.
If the old adage "You are what you eat" is true, then it would seem that humanity can now add mystery and discovery to its list of characteristics. And perhaps we can all learn from this story of one scientist who stopped for a bite to eat and found his jaw instead dropping at an incredible find.
