Top 10 organisms of 2008

[depakid]

The world's smallest snake, a prehistoric ant and microbes that may be 120,000 years old: These are just a few of the species revealed to the world in the last 12 months.

With animals going extinct at rates unseen since the dinosaurs disappeared, it's nice to be reminded that some species haven't even been discovered.

As Smithsonian Institute ornithologist Brian Schmidt said after finding the olive-backed forest robin: "It is definitely a reminder that the world still holds surprises for us."



Stiphrornis pyrrholaeumus, also known as the olive-backed forest robin, was found during a biodiversity expedition in Gabon. Scientists know little more about S. pyrrholaeumus other than it exists.

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Leptotyphlops carlae was found in a patch of forest on the eastern side of Barbados. Thin as a spaghetti noodle and small enough to curl up on a quarter, it's believed to embody the evolutionary limits of snake smallness.

More critters: http://www.wired.com/science/planetearth/multimedia/2008/12/YE8_organisms

[Faygo Kid]

1. Oh, orgaNIsms, Best wishes to all of them.

Great news. I was thinking more like 1977, when it was 10 a week.

But top 10 for the year is now about right. And greatly appreciated, as is your post.

[stuntcat]

2. beautiful!

Well I'm sad for the penguins, since they were discovered after they were already extinct. The rest are beautiful though.

[Javaman]

3. Boy! did I read that title wrong!! nt