
A creature in Africa is mutating into a new species
Genetic surveys related to the strange orange-colored crocodiles suggest they may be evolving into a new species.
According to Live Science, the potential new species lives within the Abanda cave system in Ogooue-Maritime province, Gabon, a country in Central Africa.
These crocodiles, currently classified as the dwarf crocodile Osteolaemus tetraspis, are very different from other individuals of the same species found elsewhere.
The orange-colored dwarf crocodiles in the caves of Gabon may be evolving into a new species, with a distinct appearance compared to the dwarf crocodiles found in the surrounding forests – Image: Olivier Testa
In Abanda, the dwarf crocodiles live in complete darkness, feed on bats, swim in waters filled with bat droppings, and have mysterious orange-colored skin.
It is unknown how many crocodiles live in this cave system or when they began their underground lifestyle, but they may have been there for thousands of years.
A 2016 survey highlighted the differences between cave-dwelling crocodiles and those living in the forest, including different diets and health conditions.
It is believed that the cave crocodiles lay their eggs at the cave entrance, and the hatchlings then venture into the darkness. As adults, they rarely leave the caves.
A survey by conservation biologist Matthew Shirley from Florida International University revealed that the unusual orange skin of the adult cave crocodiles may be the result of prolonged exposure to bat guano-filled water, which is rich in urea.
Over time, this exposure seems to cause the crocodile’s skin to undergo a chemical-like bleaching process.
Genetic analysis of this group of crocodiles revealed the most important finding: They are mutating. More specifically, a group of DNA variants found in the cave-dwelling dwarf crocodiles is not present in those living in the forest.
"The Abanda cave crocodiles stand out as a genetically isolated group," said scientist Richard Oslisly from the Development Survey Institute (France) in an interview with The Guardian.
Therefore, it is believed that centuries of isolation in the caves have stimulated this group of crocodiles to gradually evolve into a new species. However, when they might actually be classified as a new species is still a matter to be observed and researched further.
News in the same category


What's unusual about the photo of the girl trying on a wedding dress?

Joyfully Livestreaming an Event, Young Man Unwittingly Reveals a Shocking Secret of a Famous Corporation Chairman

Try Your Hand at the Viral Puzzle Taking U.S. High Schools by Storm

The Photo That Took the Internet by Storm: Can You Spot the Special Detail?

Put Your Quick Wit to the Test: Can You Solve This Brain Teaser?

The Perfect Family Meal with a Hidden Twist

I just polished my wheels to make them perfectly smooth

This is a tough question asked by the FBI

The First Image You See Will Reveal Your Personality!

How can you make “5+5+5 = 550” correct with just one line?

Is that girl okay?

Who D.ie.s If ‘E’ Pushes The Stone?

Can you spot the turtle in 15 seconds?

What is the strange detail in the picture?

Your IQ is above 140 if you can find the missing number in 5 seconds!

You're considered high IQ if you can find the mistake in 4 seconds.

A dog approaches you

The chair has fallen over—move which 3 matches to make it stand up?

Which Car Should Move First to Clear the Traffic Jam?
News Post

Where are the 3 hidden faces?

10 Can.cer-Fighting Foods You Should Eat Regularly

Tips to help you save a lot of electricity money every month

The "Miracle Leaf" of Mexico: Widely Available Across Asia but Little Known for Its Benefits

The liver plays a crucial role in keeping your body healthy

Ginger: The Natural Alternative to Botox for Smoother, Younger Skin

If you suffer from leg pain

Unlock the Power of Cloves: A Simple Habit with Surprising Health Benefits

French Betty Secretary

AVOCADO SEED POWDER

My Kidney Pain Stopped and My Body Deflated!

🧄 Are you tired of dealing with common aches and pains? Well, there might be a natural remedy that’s been overlooked – garlic!

Unlocking the Power of Garlic, Cloves, and Honey: Your Natural Health Solution

Put 7 bay leaves and 7 cloves of garlic in a bottle

A Crispy, Widely Loved Dish Contains One of the Highest Levels of Microplastics

Mix washing powder with sugar, a great tip that few people know

What's unusual about the photo of the girl trying on a wedding dress?

The Wild Garden Green That Prevents Hair Loss and Is Known as the “Ginseng of the Earth”

Singapore deploys robot cockroaches for earth.quake relief in Myanmar
