Discovered: The mini-meleon that is one of the smallest reptiles on the planet
4 G/ S, L; c" k2 }) eBy Wil Longbottom
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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.
/ `" t- i# Y: t+ R! }3 X5.39.217.76Balanced 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.tvb now,tvbnow,bttvb$ V) D" \) T' T6 v5 z7 ^
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Scientists discovered four new species - called Brookesia micra - on a small islet just off the main island.4 l* E4 }" u- ~+ t! J
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Tiny: This chameleon is smaller than a finger nail and was discovered on an islet off Madagascar8 Z& h. P' H" V
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This particular chameleon is now thought to be one of the smallest reptiles on the planet.
; B) m8 A% M ^( p) ~5.39.217.76Ted Townsend, of San Diego State University, carried out genetic testing on the new species.TVBNOW 含有熱門話題，最新最快電視，軟體，遊戲，電影，動漫及日常生活及興趣交流等資訊。0 v/ m3 Q8 E7 R) U5 d- E
& }9 C0 r; a8 |1 l) X2 D公仔箱論壇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.'
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A real match: The three-centimetre chameleon is thought to be one of the smallest reptiles on the planet
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Hard to spot: Scientists believe chameleons may have evolved on Madagascar! W% t! ]" |/ [% K# y" w
& i, B4 q% l- f9 \# C: G8 |9 s公仔箱論壇The new additions to the chameleon species are only found in an area just a few square miles in size. c9 W3 d7 m1 W4 [+ F& q
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Experts believe they may be especially sensitive to habitat destruction. |
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