Reproduction in the animal world can be complicated at the best of times. But far from the flashy birds or mammals competing for mates, a new study has revealed that, in the case of some flatworms, they turn to asexual reproduction with some surprising results. The rest of this article is behind a paywall. Please sign in or subscribe to access the full content.

Stenostomum brevipharyngium is a microscopic flatworm species that reproduces asexually by a method known as paratomy. This means that the offspring form from the middle of the body of the parent, effectively splitting the parent into two worms. When the process occurs, each worm should be left with a head and a tail. However, scientists have noticed that once in a while, things can go a little awry, and the worms end up with two

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