Rotifers seem to be another fly in their ointment.
In the end, researchers have found that nearly identical pairs of genes were found in rotifers that reproduced sexually (nonbdelloid). This result was expected for sexually reproducing diploids. However, these identical genes were not found in bdelloids. "Even the most similar copies found in any bdelloid genome are more divergent than the most divergent pair found in any other rotifer" (Welch & Meselson, 2000).
Recommendations for Specific Research to Answer the Question:
Additional research certainly needs to be performed on bdelloid rotifers to determine exactly why and how they are able to be so evolutionarily successful without sexual reproduction. To date, the fossil record has not found any male bdelloid rotifers, however, the search has been less than exhaustive and must continue, to rule out the possibility that males have simply been missed in research to date.
Although research has pointed to the asexual reproduction of bdelloid rotifers, they have yet to pinpoint exactly when this happened. More research needs to be performed to determine "how recently the most divergent gene copies first separated from each other" (Ryan, 2004).
In addition, if it proved beyond a doubt that these unique rotifers are truly asexual, sexual reproduction theories will have to be completely revamped. These new theories will have to take into account why rotifers are so success without sex. All contemporary theories to date surmise that asexual reproduction is a one-way street to extinction. Clearly bdelloid rotifers speak to the contrary. For this reason, this phenomenon needs to be studied further.
Significance of this Work:
The significance of this research is twofold. First, from the findings of contemporary research, it appears that bdelloid rotifers are unique to the animal kingdom. Certainly there are other species that reproduce asexually, however, none have been found to have the evolutionary longevity of the rotifer. It is not surprising that researchers want to know why the rotifer has been...
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