Length 3 Cm, this animal Had 750 Feet
CALIFORNIA, KOMPAS.com — scientists have discovered new species of millipede (Milipede). Just have a body length of 1-3 cm, feet it reached 750 pieces! Plenipes species named lllacme, which means "was awarded the abundant leg", it was then crowned as the largest animal with legs.
"It is like a thread. At first glance, she's got the look out for an exciting. However, after we saw it with SEM (electron microscopy) and light microscopy, we found that she had a complex Anatomy, "said Paul Marek, a post-doctoral researcher at the University of Arizona who led the study.
Not just the number of legs that make it exceptional. Researchers found that these animals have the perfect mouth is not that its function is also unknown. In addition, lllacme plenipes also got behind the organ of the body that was able to produce similar yarn structure of silk.
The discovery of this species was started from the findings of the Millipede species back in 2006, the kind that had previously been discovered in 1928. Scientists then began to collect the specimen lllacme locality of plenipes forest oak in Oakland and Berkeley.
A number of 17 specimens obtained. Specimen collection was discontinued in 2007. Based on the survey, scientists suspect that the species is rare. After the specimen is obtained, scientists started doing analysis of morphology and genetic.
From the genetic studies carried out successfully, scientists identified a gene called cytochrome c oxidase I. these genes could serve as genetic markers that will help scientists distinguish types of plenipes lllacme and others.
Scientists suspect that the Millipede has relatives who live in South Africa. Millipede was allegedly living since 200 million years ago when South Africa's land and California still incorporated in one continent called Pangaea.
As a new species, lllacme plenipes face many threats. Construction of damaging the habitat of this species. While climate change will vaporize the fog that keep this kind of habitat remains moist. lllacme plenipes endangered when unaccompanied.
"We do not know a lot about the biology of these organisms. So, its extinction before we had a chance to understand her role in the environment, or even what they can contribute to humanity is shameful, "said Marek as quoted Livescience, Wednesday (14/11/2012).
Marek suspect, this species also live in the tropics. Research is now being conducted. The discovery of this species was published in the journal Zookeys last Wednesday.
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