MEXICO CITY, June 7 (Reuters) - Scientists have documented the first-known instance of a "virgin birth" by a crocodile, which had been living in isolation for 16 years at Costa Rican zoo, according to a study published Wednesday. According to the study published in the journal Biology Letters, scientists tested the crocodile fetus' genetic makeup. The phenomenon of FP, which some scientists have referred to by the shorthand of "virgin birth," has also been documented in other species of fish, birds, lizards and snakes. In FP, a female's egg cell can develop into a baby without being fertilized by a male's sperm cell. The scientists said the Costa Rica "virgin birth" could lead to new information about crocodile ancestors that walked the earth in the Triassic Period some 250 million years ago.

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Persons: Pterosauria, Cassandra Garrison, David Gregorio Our Organizations: MEXICO CITY, Costa, Thomson Locations: MEXICO, Costa Rican, Costa Rica