The fish that defies evolution: Scientists discover how a species survives without males for over 100,000 years

Scientists have uncovered the unique mechanism that allows the Amazon molly, a fish species consisting entirely of females, to maintain genetic health and avoid the accumulation of mutations over more than 100,000 years. This discovery challenges conventional evolutionary theories.

The research reveals that a process of genetic conversion is key to the species' survival. This process effectively eliminates harmful mutations, enabling the Amazon molly to thrive and reproduce consistently without the need for males, a feat that defies typical evolutionary predictions.

This extraordinary reproductive strategy, known as parthenogenesis, allows the Amazon molly to maintain a healthy genome despite the absence of genetic recombination typically provided by sexual reproduction. The findings offer new insights into the adaptability and resilience of species in the face of evolutionary pressures.