Is cloning “unnatural”?
Not at all. Some organisms, such as bacteria and yeasts, only reproduce using cloning. Some larger organisms, like snails and shrimp also reproduce by cloning. As sexual reproduction is the only way to improve the genetic stock of a species, most asexual species tend to die off. However, at least one – a shrimp called Artemia perthenogenetica – has survived for at least 30 million years without reproducing sexually. Many more species, including the aphid, reproduce by cloning most of the time and then reproduce sexually every few generations. Perhaps one day humankind may follow their lead.
Not at all. Some organisms, such as bacteria and yeasts, only reproduce using cloning. Some larger organisms, like snails and shrimp also reproduce by cloning. As sexual reproduction is the only way to improve the genetic stock of a species, most asexual species tend to die off. However, at least one – a shrimp called Artemia perthenogenetica – has survived for at least 30 million years without reproducing sexually. Many more species, including the aphid, reproduce by cloning most of the time and then reproduce sexually every few generations. Perhaps one day humankind may follow their lead.
