In order to honor and recognize the work of Carolus Linnaeus, an 18th century botanist who is thought to be the parent of modern taxonomy, the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF) on May 21 a top 10 species discovered on Earth in the previous year.
According to the information released by the ESF, there have 18,000 species discovered on Earth in 2014 and these add up to the 2 million we already have on record.
However, biologists estimate that there are still 10 million species not yet discovered that can shed light on both the evolutionary process and as well on how humans can learn to live more harmoniously with the biosphere.
So let`s take a look at the top 10 most interesting species discovered last year:
- The Feathered Dinosaur: ‘Chicken from Hell’ aka Anzu wyliei
Three skeletons of this creature were discovered on US soil, more exactly in North and South Dakota. The Feathered Dinosaur had physical features that are similar to that of a chicken and used to nest and sat on eggs until hatching.
- The new coral plant aka Balanophora coralliformis is a type of coral with was discovered in the Philippines and was declared endangered from the moment it was discovered.
- The Cartwheeling Spider – Cebrennus rechenbergi
This spider was discovered in Morocco and apparently he uses his gymnastic skills to escape dangerous situations.
- The X-Phyla is a type of multi-cellular organism that sort of looks like a mushroom and it was discovered in Australia, on the sea floor, at nearly 3,200 feet deep.
- The Bone-house Wasp aka Deuteragenia ossarium
It is an interesting type of wasp that has an unique way of defending its offspring. This Chinese wasp builds a protective shield for her nest out of dead spider bodies.
- The Indonesian frog aka Limnonectes larvaepartus
What`s special about this frog is that is capable of birthing living tadpoles, a feature not very common amongst frogs.
- The Walking Stick aka Phryganistria tamdaoensis, was discovered in Vietnam and although it measures 9 inches in length and is commonly found in around the area Tam Dao town, it has managed to escape from being noticed until now.
- The Sea Slug aka Phyllodesmium acanthorhinum
This Japanese species of sea slug is said to be the missing link between sea slugs that feed on corals and those that feed on hydroids.
- The Bromeliad aka Tillandsia religiosa
It`s a plant that has been used for many years in Mexican Christmas celebrations, but which has escaped from taxonomy so far.
- The Pufferfish aka Torquigener albomaculosus
This new type of pufferfish was found in the waters of Japan and what is interesting about it is that the male fish builds nests by swirling in the sea sand and creating circles. This swim-dance also attracts the female.
Image Source: apnarm