Litoria sp. nov., aka long-nosed tree frog
One epoch, you're king of the ancient world, the next epoch some runt of a human takes you down an evolutionary notch. News from the modern-day animal kingdom was less of a downer, but just as exciting, with previously unknown species introducing themselves to the world, and a mystery find reviving ancient (well, maybe vintage) tales of strange monsters from...Canada? Check out the latest pecking order with the Buzz Week in Review.
Species found in lost world
No lie—Conservation International researchers on the scout for unusual creatures were lunching at their Indonesian campsite when a frog perched on a bag of rice inside their tent. A quick-handed herpetologist snagged the visitor for a look-see and some photo ops. The so-called "Pinocchio frog," whose irresistible schnozz inflates and deflates, is just one of many discoveries announced this week. Scientists also found a wee wallaby, "gargoyle-faced" gecko, blossom bat, as well as less alliterative animals, birds, and insects. Besides plenty of eye-popping online galleries, they will get a spread in the June issue of National Geographic, which co-sponsored the 2008 trip with the Smithsonian.
Dino downgrade
One day, you're a dinosaur, the next day you're just another primordial lizard. As though being extinct wasn't enough of a bummer, the Azendohsaurus madagaskarensis lost its dominant dino status after paleontologists took a close look at a skull dug up in the 1990s (as opposed to some teeth and jaws found in the 1970s). The upside: A. madagaskarensis still gets to stay in the archosauromorph family, of which dinos are a subset. Plus, one paleontologist claims "Azendohsauraus ends up being a much more fantastic animal" by encouraging new thinking on convergent evolution. You're just saying that to make us feel better... but thanks anyway.
Monster mystery
Chupacabra and Montauk Monster, meet your mythological Canadian cousin... Omajinaakoos, aka The Ugly One. At least, elders theorized that a dead critter found in Canadian waters could be the mythological animal that "feeds on beavers," although others found its creepy mug similar to the Ogopogo. However, party poopers are guessing a bear cub, river otter or some run-of-the-mill creature, rendered uncute by decomposition. Time for Animal Planet to get its own "CSI" show.
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