News Animals

Heat turns wild genetic male reptiles into functional females

Temperature-switched bearded dragons can still breed successfully

Australian bearded dragon

WHEN DRAGONS OVERHEAT  Australian bearded dragons are the first reptiles discovered to change sex in the wild due to overheating, raising questions about how they will cope with climate change.

Arthur Georges/University of Canberra

By Susan Milius

- More than 2 years ago

Some genetically male Australian bearded dragons are growing up as fully functional females in the wild — the first reptiles confirmed to reverse sex under natural conditions.