Lizards in Australia are actually changing their gender because of the heat

Hotter temperatures are being blamed for a strange change in Australia’s bearded dragon lizards, according to a new study — genetic changes that alter the lizards’ sex.

The study, published in the journal Nature on July 1, was led by the University of Canberra. Bearded dragons that are genetically male have been recorded hatching as females and giving birth to other lizards.

The study’s authors say the lizards’ sexes are changing so much the female sex chromosome sometimes disappears completely, the Associated Press reported.

It’s important to note, however, that a reptile’s sex is not always caused by a sex chromosome, but sometimes by temperatures during incubation. The study attributes the change to Australia’s hotter summer temperatures.

“This is the first time we have proved that sex reversal happens in the wild in any reptile at all,” said lead author Clare Holleley.

Of 131 wild bearded dragons examined by the researchers, 11 were outwardly female — some with offspring — but have the chromosomes of a genetic male. With the small sample size, the team intends to continue their research.

The study also noted those lizards with offspring that were genetically male often had more offspring than those that were genetically female.

“Basically, dads make better mums,” Holleley said.

The study shows the change can occur at 90 degrees Fahrenheit, and always occur at 97 degrees Fahrenheit.

Contact Kristen DeSilva at 702-477-3895 or kdesilva@reviewjournal.com. Find her on Twitter: @kristendesilva