Discovered: The mini-meleon that is one of the smallest reptiles on the planet
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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." f9 H( x) b7 x2 l1 ^$ j+ B
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.: \& c$ B0 ^9 { o; X
7 T9 ~6 v8 S2 a) y0 ^" ?Scientists discovered four new species - called Brookesia micra - on a small islet just off the main island.
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5 K2 M) X" u o+ c, d) P: CTiny: This chameleon is smaller than a finger nail and was discovered on an islet off Madagascar2 B9 z! k& ]# W
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This particular chameleon is now thought to be one of the smallest reptiles on the planet.% k8 a1 Q' D4 `+ ]4 F) h
Ted Townsend, of San Diego State University, carried out genetic testing on the new species.2 e+ s4 I7 V, @
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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.'os.tvboxnow.com% T; p6 p V* S. @0 Z$ y
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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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# Z6 t$ Z$ B. D7 v+ y" b# p" M公仔箱論壇Hard to spot: Scientists believe chameleons may have evolved on Madagascar
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7 w! X3 |1 \' I4 B+ m4 ?. f- \) TThe new additions to the chameleon species are only found in an area just a few square miles in size.
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, s# k& @) I8 B: Qtvb now,tvbnow,bttvbExperts believe they may be especially sensitive to habitat destruction. |