Discovered: The mini-meleon that is one of the smallest reptiles on the planet公仔箱論壇) d2 B6 y# k7 j; T: W
By 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.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。" C! U4 T+ K; {
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.
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1 e% h% b- P5 {, m公仔箱論壇Scientists discovered four new species - called Brookesia micra - on a small islet just off the main island.
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9 D5 }- k0 ^( Y5 B+ W; k% z+ F公仔箱論壇Tiny: This chameleon is smaller than a finger nail and was discovered on an islet off Madagascar5.39.217.76/ w# v1 V5 g$ q' B
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This particular chameleon is now thought to be one of the smallest reptiles on the planet.
5 ~; S1 o* m* ]5 h. P1 n; Q公仔箱論壇Ted Townsend, of San Diego State University, carried out genetic testing on the new species.
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/ F, u C6 I" J/ p9 X7 V$ s& {, L# P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.'公仔箱論壇$ L V4 \/ R& d# m0 [
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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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8 V: N! X& O$ \2 o% N5.39.217.76Hard to spot: Scientists believe chameleons may have evolved on Madagascar
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The new additions to the chameleon species are only found in an area just a few square miles in size.5.39.217.76" o' W# w# J2 S. `2 f- A/ f2 u
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Experts believe they may be especially sensitive to habitat destruction. |