Comments on: Oz Discovery: 13 New Skinks!

By: Alligator

Alligator — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 06:39:22 +0000

The herpetological updates are appreciated as always, Mr. Coleman.

By: Saint Vitus

Saint Vitus — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 14:47:30 +0000

There are cases of mimicry in animals, especially insects. However, many closely related species look almost identical because they are so closely related, especially if they are members of the same genus.

By: Richard888

Richard888 — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 04:15:06 +0000

I wonder if there are cases where one species has evolved to look exactly like another species for reasons of survival. Naturalists would not investigate whether identical looking individuals belong to different species because there is no reason to. There are movies where aliens take on the form of humans usually for some sinister purpose. Can it be possible that this actually happens in the natural world for the sinister purpose of a survival of a weaker species?

By: Saint Vitus

Saint Vitus — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 21:14:44 +0000

13 new species is very impressive, but I hope they find a 14th, 13 is an unlucky number! I can see why they had gone undetected for so long, they are very small and plain looking, and most people would see one and not think it was anything unusual. Plus, they probably look almost identical to the known species. Cute little things though.

By: Ann Unknown

Ann Unknown — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 12:56:32 +0000

The Arnhem Land, Mount Borradaile spangled snake-eyed skink really is pretty.