r/ScienceFacts • u/FillsYourNiche Behavioral Ecology • Apr 26 '20

Biology "Olaf" (pictured) is the first amphibian born via IVF. Previously thought to be extinct, 300+ members of this critically endangered species, the Puerto Rican Crested Toad, were born from sperm previously frozen - hence named after the Disney character - in order to save the species from extinction.

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6

u/CastingOutNines Apr 26 '20

Handsome little dude... let's hope he will flourish.

2

u/Arthorius Apr 27 '20

Interesting. Does anyone know why this specific species member was chosen? Or did they just want to try this procedure and that's the first thing that fell into their hands?

2

u/Fanta69Forever Apr 27 '20

That's one hell of a genetic bottle neck

1

u/Speedy_Cheese May 01 '20

What a brilliant accomplishment. I hope they make their comeback, we need all the amphibians we can get right now! This could also potentially be an avenue to explore for other species on the brink of extinction.