10 Animals That Can Clone Themselves Naturally

8. The Whiptail Lizard: A Desert Anomaly

Whiptail lizards, native to the deserts of the southwestern United States and Mexico, are unique among reptiles for their parthenogenetic reproduction. In some species, all individuals are female, and they reproduce by cloning themselves. This reproductive strategy is thought to have evolved in response to the harsh desert environment, where finding a mate can be challenging. The genetic diversity of whiptail lizards is limited, yet they have thrived in their arid habitats. The study of these lizards provides valuable insights into the evolutionary trade-offs between genetic diversity and reproductive assurance in extreme environments.