Komodo dragons possibly evolving?

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Female komodo dragons may have a new weapon to combat the species' dwindling numbers in the wild. There have been at least two reports this year from female dragons reproducing asexually through a process called parthenogenesis. While it is known that other reptiles have this natural ability, it has never been observed in komodos, leaving the question of whether this is a true evolutionary step forward for the species or an ability that they've always had.

Its not something that evolves from one moment to another. And like the article says, its been seen in other reptiles, so its not a major discovery IMO. Komodo's are always studied in groups, soooo, bingo - No need for asexual replacement.

I agree with Thain Esh Kelch. I think that parthenogony is something that most--if not all--reptiles are capable of, given the correct circumstances. For example: many varieties of the so-called whiptail lizard have no males. They're a unisex species, but they reproduce parthenogenically. Some of them still require the mating ritual, though.

One of the surprising things about unisexual whiptail reproduction is that a courtship ritual is still required even though there is only one sex. Unisexual whiptails pair up. In the courtship ritual one female takes the part of a male, while the other takes the role of a female. Later the 2 lizards switch roles. The switch is caused by hormones: estrogen promotes female behavior; progesterone stimulates male behavior. The mating ritual is required for survival of the species: without it few eggs are released (ovulation).

Source.

It's still a pretty fascinating find, though likely not an evolutionary step.

Originally posted by Thain Esh Kelch
Its not something that evolves from one moment to another. And like the article says, its been seen in other reptiles, so its not a major discovery IMO. Komodo's are always studied in groups, soooo, bingo - No need for asexual replacement.

i agree but good post at least it startes a new subject