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Sharks will find a way.
Something unusual has happened at an aquarium on the island of Sardinia. That gives us an excuse to head back to Europe to investigate another water-based Odd News story. (Run time: 4 minutes)
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Transcript:
CLINTON:
Today’s story takes us back to Italy. To the Acquario Cala Gonone in Sardinia to be precise. This lovely Aquarium sits atop a hill that affords a breathtaking view of the Mediterranean. Too bad, because we’re headed inside right away. No time for a selfie. Okay. Maybe just one. Or two.
All right. Are we set now? Good. Let’s head inside. Admission? Uh, let’s see. Adults, 12 euros. children 4-12, 6.50. Is anyone in the group over 65? Because that’s 9 euros.
Everyone set? Great. Here we go. We want to go directly to the shark exhibit. Uh, did anyone grab an aquarium map? What? No. I don’t know where the lavatory is? I don’t have a map. Can someone get a…Wait. Where are you people going. What do you mean? It’s not time for a snack.
Okay, you know what, you and I will head this way. I see a sign over here. This is the way we want to go. This is the tank that is home to the aquariums two female smooth-hound sharks. Hmmm? There are three sharks in there? Ah, yes. That’s the odd news.
You see, the aquarium has been home to these two smooth-hound sharks for over a decade. Just two females. But one of them recently gave birth. That one there, the baby, is named Isperia.
Chances are good they didn’t name it that in honor of the character from “Magic: The Gathering.” The name means “Hope.” But the big story here is that this means that smooth-hound sharks are probably capable of parthenogenesis.
I know. That sounds like it’s the origin story for the Parthenon, but no. It’s a form of asexual reproduction and this would be the first documented case of it in this type of shark.
In parthenogenesis, the egg is fertilized by what is known as a polar cell. It contains a duplicate of an egg’s DNA. That means Isperia would actually be a genetic clone of her mother. So, when someone says to them “You two look so much alike.” they would be 100% correct.
This biological process has only been observed in three species of shark: the bonnethead, the blacktip shark and the zebra shark.
The aquarium will be running DNA tests to help verify that Isperia is, in fact, a genetic clone. They should also warn Ingen that there may be a problem with the dinosaurs in their Jurassic Park. Can you hear me, Doctor Wu?
Okay now, let’s find the rest of the group. What do you mean they went out on a boat tour? What if Wally the Walrus is out there?