NPR

2 California condor chicks hatch from unfertilized eggs, fascinating scientists

These endangered birds were nearly extinct in 1983. Since then, biologists have carefully bred condors in captivity, keeping track of who fathered whom.
During a routine analysis of biological samples from two California condors in the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance’s managed breeding program, scientists confirmed that each condor chick was genetically related to the respective female condor that laid the egg from which it hatched. However, they found that neither bird was genetically related to a male. (San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance)

A story about California condors is captivating scientists.

These endangered birds were nearly extinct in 1983. Their population was down to just 22.

Since then, biologists have carefully bred condors in captivity, keeping track of who fathered whom. But scientists at San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance’s managed breeding.

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