科學家發現一種細至可於指甲邊爬行的爬行動物「迷你Meleon」。英國《每日郵報》報道，於馬達加斯加（Madagascar）一個小島上發現的迷你Meleon，比世界最小的變色龍（chameleon）還小，約3厘米大的牠比蒼蠅還小，可於指甲邊上爬行。科學家同時發現名為「Brookesia micra」的4個新品種。
San Diego State大學教授Ted Townsend已就有關品種進行基因測試，估計迷你Meleon由馬達加斯加島上一種細小、不起眼的變色龍進化而成，有別於今日為人所熟悉的彩色變色龍。該等新品種只能於幾平方英哩的地方發現。
Discovered: The mini-meleon that is one of the smallest reptiles on the planet
By Wil Longbottom
His species is renowned for its ability to blend in, but this tiny critter is even better than most as the world's smallest chameleon.
Balanced on the tip of a scientist's fingernail in Madagascar, the-three centimetre reptile is no bigger than the flies that form his average-sized cousin's lunch.
Scientists discovered four new species - called Brookesia micra - on a small islet just off the main island.
Tiny: This chameleon is smaller than a finger nail and was discovered on an islet off Madagascar
This particular chameleon is now thought to be one of the smallest reptiles on the planet.
Ted Townsend, of San Diego State University, carried out genetic testing on the new species.
He said: 'Their size suggests that chameleons might have evolved in Madagascar from small and inconspicuous ancestors, quite unlike the larger and more colourful chameleons most familiar to us today.'
A real match: The three-centimetre chameleon is thought to be one of the smallest reptiles on the planet
Hard to spot: Scientists believe chameleons may have evolved on Madagascar
The new additions to the chameleon species are only found in an area just a few square miles in size.
Experts believe they may be especially sensitive to habitat destruction. |
發表於 2012-2-16 07:46 AM
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