Sunday, March 29, 2009

Species new to science discovered in Peru


Yeah, I know. So, who cares about Peru.

But the scientist who discovered it has just had the experience of a lifetime.
This recently bathed rodent is among four unexpected species likely new to science that were found high in the Peruvian Andes, scientists with the nonprofit Conservation International announced Thursday.

Expeditions between 2005 and 2008 in Peru's Cordillera Blanca, or White Range, also uncovered two new species of beetle and a rare wetlands plant.

The newfound mouse is a member of the Akodon genus, which includes many South American field mice.

A new mammal species. So... either it sneaked into the so-called "Ark" or it evolved, or it stayed where it was the whole time.


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