A zebra shark has been observed switching from sexual to parthenogenetic reproduction, a process in which offspring are produced without fertilization by a male. This change in reproductive strategy has been reported in at least one instance, although there is some uncertainty regarding the specific species of shark involved, with some outlets referencing the zebra shark and others mentioning the leopard shark or the common smooth-hound shark. The ability of some sharks to reproduce asexually has been noted in several cases where females have been separated from males.