The seeds of human reproduction were sown some 600 million years ago, scientists have found. A sperm-producing gene that appeared at the dawn of animal evolution is present in nearly every animal, from sea anemones to people, suggesting that the male reproductive cell evolved from a common ancestor.
The finding may offer clues about male infertility, and could lead to male contraceptive drugs and even new pesticides.
Log in
Subscribers, enter your e-mail address for full access to the Science News archives and digital editions.