Self-cloning organisms – animals that naturally reproduce themselves

I. Introduction: The Secret of Cloning in Nature

With the advancement of technology, the term "cloning" is increasingly associated with laboratories, genetic engineering, and the famous sheep Dolly. However, this phenomenon is much older and has existed in nature itself without human intervention. Some organisms are capable of continuing their lineage without sexual reproduction by simply "copying" themselves. Isn't that cloning?

In this article, we will examine natural cloning processes, the organisms that use this strategy, their advantages, and biological logic. From single-celled organisms to vertebrates, you'll see how diverse and intelligent nature can be.

II. The Biology of Cloning: What Does Genetic Identity Mean?

From a biological standpoint, a "clone" is an organism that is genetically identical to another. Genetic identity means that the clone's DNA is 100% the same as the original. This is not possible in sexual reproduction, where genes from two parents combine to create a unique organism. Cloning, on the other hand, creates an exact copy.

In nature, cloning usually occurs through asexual reproduction. Types of asexual reproduction include:

• Binary fission — in bacteria and protozoa.

• Budding — in hydra and yeast.

• Parthenogenesis — in some insects, fish, reptiles, and amphibians.

• Regeneration and fragmentation — in starfish and planarians.

III. Examples of Self-Reproducing Animals

1. Hydra – The Immortal, Self-Copying Creature

Hydra is a freshwater animal belonging to the cnidarian phylum. It reproduces by budding: small individuals grow from its body and later detach. Some scientists believe hydra is biologically immortal — its cells continuously regenerate and do not age.

2. Komodo Dragon – A Giant That Clones

Parthenogenesis has been observed in Komodo dragons and some other reptiles. The female lays eggs without fertilization, and the offspring are genetic clones of the mother.

3. Amazon Molly (Poecilia formosa) – Born Without Males

This species consists only of females. They mate with males of related species, but the male DNA is not used. This process is called gynogenesis: the egg is activated by sperm presence, but genetic material comes only from the mother.

4. Marbled Crayfish – The World's Most Cloning Crustacean

This species consists entirely of females that lay eggs without male involvement. All individuals are genetically identical. The species spread across Europe in just a few decades, all descending from a single original crayfish.

5. Planarian – Can Be Cut and Still Multiply

Planarians have a powerful regenerative ability. If cut into pieces, each part can grow into a new individual — a living clone.

6. Starfish – Regenerates from a Fragment

Some species of starfish can regenerate an entire body from just one arm and a portion of the central disk. This too is a form of cloning.

7. Ants and Bees

In some species, queens reproduce by cloning. This maintains genetic stability in the colony. Bees can also reproduce via parthenogenesis, where male drones are clones of the queen.

IV. Advantages and Limitations of Cloning

Advantages:

• Fast and easy reproduction

• Ability to reproduce without a mate

• Replication of a successful genetic model

• Population stability

Limitations:

• Lack of genetic diversity

• Increased vulnerability to disease

• Difficulty adapting to environmental changes

• Slower evolutionary progress

V. What Can Humans Learn?

Cloning in nature is a kind of “Plan B” for survival. It works in harsh and unstable conditions, but long-term evolution relies on diversity and adaptability.

Nature may repeat forms again and again, but eventually, change becomes inevitable — through mutation, environmental shifts, or evolution itself.

VI. Conclusion: Is Cloning Power or Limitation?

Self-replicating organisms are a remarkable example of natural engineering. They show how effectively life can copy itself and persist. But they also remind us that survival belongs not to the strongest, but to those who adapt.

Nature does not freeze in one form — it constantly seeks variety and evolution.

Table 1: Animals That Reproduce by Cloning

Table 2: Cloning vs. Sexual Reproduction

Feedback

How successful do you think cloning is as a natural strategy?

• Can such organisms survive in the long term?

• Does lack of diversity pose a threat?

• What can humans learn from this?

 Share your thoughts in the comments! Which example surprised you the most?