It has been alive for 2 crore years without sex, yet the population is increasing

Last update:01 February, 2025, 14:44 IST

Science News: Mites have been alive for millions of years without sex. Researchers found that with the independent development of their two chromosome copies, they could give quick response to environmental changes.

New Delhi: The survival of species always depends on reproduction, which requires sexual contact. Sex helps to adapt to organisms rapidly with changing environmental conditions. Species without sex are at risk of genetic stagnation and extinction.

Nevertheless, mites have been alive for millions of years without sex and are also increasing their population. Researchers have now tried to find out how these small creatures live without sex and continue to develop their species.

Read- Earth’s time is tearing mouth! Will the earth be destroyed? Scientists flew consciousness after seeing a view of space

What does research say
In a study published in Science Advancers, researchers documented that the secret of their development lies in the independent development of their two chromosome copies. This phenomenon is known as the ‘masculine effect’. While humans also have two set chromosomes, there is some different in terms of origid mites.

Ai from the asexual origid mite platynothrus peltifer breeds perfectically: mothers give birth to daughters from non -prohibited eggs, causing the entire population to only female. Ai from the asexual origid mites produce their female children from the prohibited eggs without a male. Male is absent or extremely rare and does not contribute to genes.

Researchers now first analyzed the accumulated gap between chromosome copies and evaluated the importance of their survival. The team saw the remarkable difference in gene expression – in other words, which gene copies are active and to what extent. These inter -environmental changes enable accelerated reaction and provide a selective advantage.

The first writer of the study, Dr. Husna Ojtoparek, explained that “horizontal gene transfer can be thought of as adding new equipment to the existing toolbox. Some of these genes help digest the cell walls, which expands its food spectrum. ”

The study provides new insight into the living strategies of asexual organisms. Asexual development is supported by various sources of genetic diversity, on which the research team draws attention to the study. The team hopes that in future studies they will be able to find out whether there can be important additional mechanisms without sex for development.