Discovered: The mini-meleon that is one of the smallest reptiles on the planet& i) w m b- L; y8 j! R0 I/ k
By Wil Longbottom 9 `6 P w+ s' v2 W公仔箱論壇 6 \7 [' X1 Q# u! u1 JHis species is renowned for its ability to blend in, but this tiny critter is even better than most as the world's smallest chameleon.+ S# O8 Y0 t W |# k9 |
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. # g- S! G6 }, CTVBNOW 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。: g: V, l' o+ l. w6 I3 p h0 p
Scientists discovered four new species - called Brookesia micra - on a small islet just off the main island.5.39.217.767 c- j* X f. _# b
4 q2 {% v+ A$ |+ L公仔箱論壇 2 |+ t% P* S* z" BTVBNOW 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。Tiny: This chameleon is smaller than a finger nail and was discovered on an islet off Madagascar , n- t7 S1 r- x# i7 ^8 Stvb now,tvbnow,bttvb公仔箱論壇7 |8 N7 w Q1 [
This particular chameleon is now thought to be one of the smallest reptiles on the planet. 0 L! o1 B' g, `+ ?# ~% sTVBNOW 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。Ted Townsend, of San Diego State University, carried out genetic testing on the new species.5.39.217.76! n1 B3 K6 m1 Q+ W0 G& J
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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.' 3 C8 J# I9 K1 y9 x5.39.217.76 # j; t3 K, v% E8 H) U1 g1 l v5.39.217.76公仔箱論壇! z- j- N: z; `* Y8 ], C2 m
A real match: The three-centimetre chameleon is thought to be one of the smallest reptiles on the planet - _3 L# G1 N3 i4 Q0 Gtvb now,tvbnow,bttvb" I: @4 v" B- c, b5 ?% } * C+ `' H! K& qHard to spot: Scientists believe chameleons may have evolved on Madagascar) e+ Z# R' K; K% s6 d5 j( M2 [- Q) L
3 q- }2 z6 W- y( vThe new additions to the chameleon species are only found in an area just a few square miles in size. ' j& [0 W7 o& ~/ v' P1 g! g5.39.217.765 `% p/ O9 |2 I( F
Experts believe they may be especially sensitive to habitat destruction.