The 6 most bizarre types of sperm found in nature

You thought that 17-million-year-old sperm was weird? Well, it's in some very strange company

Published May 16, 2014 2:40PM (EDT)

       (Shutterstock)
(Shutterstock)

Yesterday, it was announced that the world's oldest known sperm was found in the fossilized remains of a freshwater crustacean called an ostracod.

Well, it turns out that this strange, giant sperm is just one example of wacky reproductive cells. Each species has different mating rituals, and some of those sexual reproductive issues includes some very strange sperm -- and sperm storage. Here are five of the strangest male sex cells in the animal kingdom.

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By Sarah Gray

Sarah Gray is an assistant editor at Salon, focusing on innovation. Follow @sarahhhgray or email sgray@salon.com.

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Ancient Sperm Animal Kingdom Animals Antibiotics Evolution Reproduction Sex Slideshow Sperm