A species of fairy shrimp that lived in freshwater habitats of Australia about 100 million years ago has been discovered in the Koonwarra Fossil Bed. Examining the fossil, the researchers concluded that these crustaceans could have reproduced through parthenogenesis.
Parthenogenesis means not needing a male to reproduce. This reproduction technique is seen in some plants, and even, rarely, in some animals. It was recently discovered that some vultures and sharks can reproduce this way. Now added to this caravan is the fairy shrimp Koonwarrella peterorum.
There is another species of fairy shrimp in Australia that can reproduce without a male, but these shrimps normally mate with males when they have the opportunity to produce offspring.
The Koonwarra Fossil Bed in Australia, where 40 specimens of fairy shrimp were collected, is like a treasure chest for ancient animals, large and small. Its conditions ensure the preservation of insects, fish and aquatic invertebrates, as well as even dinosaur feathers.
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