New Species ?
New species or undiscovered old species?
The debate of course is whether the hundreds of new species of animals being discovered every month are really new or just old species that are just now being discovered. Due to humans encroaching on many animal habitats and more researchers in the field than ever before there has been a plethora of discoveries involving previously unknown animals and New Species?
The Rapid Assessment Program (RAP) instituted by Conservation International has led to the discovery and scientific identification of 1,300 new species in the last twenty years. This program has lead to over 80 survey's in 27 different countries.
Listed below are four recently discovered new species of animals and original illustrations of each.
So new they haven't even Named it yet
Bottle Nose Dolphin
Scientists have discovered a new species of Bottle nose Dolphin swimming in the southern hemisphere near Australia and New Zealand. Researchers from the Macquire and Monash University made the discovery while collecting genetic samples from what they thought were Coastal Bottle nose Dolphins.
"They look alike but are genetically quite different," said Luciana Moller, of Macquire University. "We were surprised."
After DNA testing 200 dolphins, they realized that they had a brand new species. The discovery was reported by Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution and is consider quite significant, as new species of large mammals are rare.
Fly Catcher
In November of 2010, a new species of carnivorous pitcher plant has been found by (FFI) Fauna and Flora International in Cambodia's remote Cardamom Mountains. The discovery of Nepenthes Holdenii is an indicator of both the stunning diversity and lack of research in the area.
Recently discovered caves in nearby Vietnam have revealed entire ecosystems within them, including jungles, streams and animal life. These recent ecosystems being discovered underground could provide a whole new list of undiscovered birds, bats, fish, insects and plant life and could potentially redefine how animals adapt to changing environments.
Ranitomeya Amazonica – Peruvian Tree Frog
Sea Slug
Tree Frog
This recently discovered tree frog found in Peru sports a bright burst of flames on its head and shoulders with contrasting water patterns on its legs. Its habitat seems located near the Iquitos area of Peru a lowland forest. It has also been found in the Alpahuayo Mishana National Reserve in Peru.
Is this a new species?
Or just an old one revealed through a destroyed habitat and diligent research?
Toxic Nudibranchs
A recently discovered exotic nudibranch or sea slug was found in the coral reefs off of Heron Island on the Great Barrier Reef, but that isn't any surprise as at least three new species are found everyday.
Results from a recent 2008 survey suggest that a large majority of the Reef's population has yet to be scientifically identified, whether from lack of research or our ever evolving planet creating new species only time will tell.
Conclusions . . . if any?
I would like to believe that our planet is not only capable of creating new species but is doing so even as we speak, however considering how little we know about the Earth it's hard to say. I know due to our own negligence and pollution we are killing off far more species than we are discovering. I know that learning to coexist with the remaining creatures on this planet is paramount in our own evolution.
Conservationism could very well be a new way of developing our service to others spiritual philosophy as we shape our new world in the coming decades. The question still remains though as the Earth evolves does it also create new species?
What Do You Believe
Do you think that all of the new species being discovered world wide is due to the planet evolving or do you believe it is due to better and more research?
Huff Post Green
- 1,300 New Species Discovered: Conservation International Celebrates 20 Years Of Rapid Assessment Pro
Conservation International (CI) is celebrating two decades of its successful Rapid Assessment Program (RAP), which has led to the discovery of over 1,300 new species, by releasing a list of its 20 "RAP Stars" -- the new species that have become inter
Related Books
New Species of Dolphin?
- New species of dolphin discovered off Australia Light Years - CNN.com Blogs
Australian researchers have discovered a new species of dolphin living right under their, uh, bottlenoses. A population of 100 dolphins in Port Phillip Bay and 50 in the Gippsland Lakes on Australia's southern coast have been proven to be genetically