MLA
09-18-2006, 07:29 PM
I thought this was really cool:
SCIENTISTS carrying out research in Papua New Guinea say they have discovered dozens of new species underwater, including a shark that walks on its fins and a shrimp that looks like a praying mantis.
<snip>
"They are bottom-dwellers which feed on crustaceans such as crabs and snails as well as small fish, and being able to walk may give them an advantage in catching them," he said.
"Also, they are quite small sharks and not exactly at the top of the food chain, so being able to remain at the bottom by walking helps them to keep out of the way of predators themselves.
There are also theories suggesting that these types of shark, with their ability to "walk", are related to the first forms of marine life which made their way on to land.
"It's pretty amazing finding two new species of shark like this. A lot of surveys are done in which new species are discovered but to find a new shark is very rare, and to come across two is quite spectacular," he added.
For the rest of the story go to The Australian (http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,20867,20438251-2703,00.html)
SCIENTISTS carrying out research in Papua New Guinea say they have discovered dozens of new species underwater, including a shark that walks on its fins and a shrimp that looks like a praying mantis.
<snip>
"They are bottom-dwellers which feed on crustaceans such as crabs and snails as well as small fish, and being able to walk may give them an advantage in catching them," he said.
"Also, they are quite small sharks and not exactly at the top of the food chain, so being able to remain at the bottom by walking helps them to keep out of the way of predators themselves.
There are also theories suggesting that these types of shark, with their ability to "walk", are related to the first forms of marine life which made their way on to land.
"It's pretty amazing finding two new species of shark like this. A lot of surveys are done in which new species are discovered but to find a new shark is very rare, and to come across two is quite spectacular," he added.
For the rest of the story go to The Australian (http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,20867,20438251-2703,00.html)