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The Origin Of Sex As We Know It

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This illustration shows the hypothetical mating position for M. dicki. (Nature)

Scientists say they have discovered the origin of copulation. Turns out it can be traced to an ancient lake in Scotland.

An international team of researchers says a fish called Microbrachius dicki is the first known animal to stop reproducing by spawning, and mate instead by having sex. The research is published in the journal Nature.

BBC Science Correspondent Rebecca Morelle discusses the findings with Here & Now's Jeremy Hobson.

Note: This BBC interview can be heard in the Here & Now podcast or with the WBUR app.

Guest

  • Rebecca Morelle, science correspondent at the BBC. She tweets @rebeccamorelle.

This segment aired on October 24, 2014.

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