How all-female species avoid the shrinkage of their gene pool is among the animal kingdom’s great mysteries. Now biologists think they’ve discovered the trick. According to a study published Sunday in Nature, egg-producing cells in a Aspidoscelis tellesata, a ladies-only species of whiptail lizard, contain double the standard genetic complement. They pick the healthiest set of chromosomes, preventing the loss of vital variation.
These gals need to be on the cover of The Advocate!
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