Discovered: The mini-meleon that is one of the smallest reptiles on the planet公仔箱論壇& Z" ?" a+ v5 u K
By Wil Longbottom
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/ Y7 N b4 S$ L% wHis species is renowned for its ability to blend in, but this tiny critter is even better than most as the world's smallest chameleon.
% \9 ^& J# v' Q# y/ @6 V公仔箱論壇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.% |' m8 B* P: L- B
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Scientists discovered four new species - called Brookesia micra - on a small islet just off the main island.
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Tiny: This chameleon is smaller than a finger nail and was discovered on an islet off Madagascar公仔箱論壇0 H. p8 c0 X2 D- Z' D/ W: g
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This particular chameleon is now thought to be one of the smallest reptiles on the planet.tvb now,tvbnow,bttvb/ p+ y; `7 j% e" X
Ted Townsend, of San Diego State University, carried out genetic testing on the new species.5.39.217.76, Z4 e' x" b7 I- o4 I* S
8 G" L( ^: V. @0 V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( u$ v) v$ [3 s6 ]9 q5 d
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Hard 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.7 M" m3 }) C, ~2 F6 D& R
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Experts believe they may be especially sensitive to habitat destruction. |
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