Mumbai, September 25: Can animals survive without having sex? Biologists have long been researching to find answer to this question. This question is linked to the Oppiella nova, an all-female species which reproduces without having intercourse. Biologists wondered how a tiny beetle mite species did not go extinct without having sex. Now, scientists at the Universities of Cologne and Gottingen have finally solved this mystery and presented a study. COVID-19 Cases Driven by Delta Variant Will Be the End of Coronavirus, Says Ex-FDA Chief Dr Scott Gottlieb.

Understanding how evolution works without sex, the scientist initially assumed that the Oppiella nova must be hiding away while having intercourse. It is because the long term survival of a species without sexual reproduction was thought to be practically impossible. "There could be, for example, some kind of 'cryptic' sexual exchange that is not known. Or not yet know," Dr Alexander Brandt, the first author of the study, told euronews.green. Cyclone Gulab, The Name Given by Pakistan, Brews in Bay of Bengal; Know What 'Gulab' Means.

The study, conducted by scientists at the Universities of Cologne and Gottingen, found that the survival of a species without having sex for long time may be rare, but not impossible. They said the Oppiella nova has survived for thousands or maybe even millions of years without sexual reproduction.

The beetles produce what are essentially clones of themselves. But their clones show genetic diversity despite coming into existence via an asexual process. "That may sound simple. But in practice, the Meselson effect has never been conclusively demonstrated in animals - until now," Professor Tanja Schwander at the Department of Ecology and Evolution, University of Lausanne was quoted as saying.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 25, 2021 03:25 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).