First, let it be known that I love men. Sure, I can find things to complain about, but I'd miss 'em if they all disappeared.
There are articles and even books about how men may become "obsolete" one day, since they can't reproduce themselves, and all that separates them from women is that tiny little (oops, sorry) Y chromosome. And in many species (including, sadly, a percentage of humans), the male just provides the sperm and then goes on his merry way.
Even without a male, females in many species can reproduce. Parthenogenesis. It happens all the time in some plants and insects, and has been seen in snakes and lizards, too. Now a captive hammerhead shark has given birth, and it's been proven that the baby shark was an immaculate conception.
One researcher quoted in the article says that parthenogenesis is a last-resort tactic that females can use when they can't find a mate. Since the shark in question was in captivity without any male sharks to chat up or have a drink with, she had no other choice. She wanted to pass on her genes, and that's the only way she could.
I can't say how happy I am that this does not occur in humans. Can you imagine having to worry about whether your own body was going to decide it was time to take matters into its own hands and make a baby for you?
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