Shark Virgin Birth

A shark virgin birth happened at the Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center. A shark, named Tidbit, had lived at the aquarium (completely apart from male sharks) for eight years. Tidbit died during a health examination and an autopsy revealed the shark was carrying a 10-inch shark pup.Associated Press: Va. Shark's Pup a 'Virgin Birth' (October 10, 2008) A previous virgin birth case was documented in an aquarium in Omaha, Nebraska in 2007.LA Times: "Virgin" Shark Birth in Virginia (October 10, 2008)

"This first case was no fluke. It is quite possible that this is something female sharks of many species can do on occasion."—Demian Chapman, a shark scientistCNN: Baby Shark Has No Father (October 10, 2008)