what is new ?
2017 19
Scientists discover world ’ s first fluorescent ent frog
Scientists have discovered polka dot tree frog ( Hypsiboas punctatus ), the world ’ s first fluorescent frog in Argentina . The newly discovered amphibian sports a muted palette of greens , reds and yellows under normal light , but in the dark gives off a bright blue and green glow . What have Scientists discovered ? Scientists found that the polka dot tree frog uses fluorescent molecules totally unlike those found in other animals . Scientists expect to find red fluorescence in these frogs from a pigment called In some insects , proteins bound to biliverdin emit a faint red fluorescence . However , in the polka dot tree frog , biliverdin turned out to be a red herring . In ultraviolet flashlight ( or black light ), polka dot tree frogs gave off an intense greenish-blue glow instead of a faint red . Three molecules hyloin-L1 , hyloin-L2 and hyloin-G1 were responsible for green fluorescence . These molecules contain a ring structure and a chain of hydrocarbons , and are unique among the known fluorescent molecules in animals . What is Fluorescence ? Fluorescence is the ability to absorb light at short wavelengths and re-emit it at longer wavelengths . It is rare in terrestrial animals . Many ocean creatures exhibit fluorescence , including corals , fish , sharks and one species of sea turtle . But , until now , it was unheard of in amphibians . On land , fluorescence was previously known in only parrots and some species of scorpions . But it is still unclear why animals have this ability . Scientists believe that Fluorescence may be shown by animals for the purpose communication , camouflage and mate attraction .
Endangered balsams ( impatiens ) plant species
Two new critically endangered balsams ( impatiens ) plant species were spotted on the peripheries of the Eravikulam National Park in Kerala . It is a major breakthrough in eco-conservation . Impatiens plants are also called jewel weeds . They are seen in pristine forests where moisture content and relative humidity are high .
The new species of balsams ( impatiens ) Impatiens Mankulamensis and Impatiens panduranganii were discovered from the shola forests on the periphery of the park and Mankulam forests . Impatiens panduranganii was first noticed in 2015 during a research on impatiens in the Pettimudi area . It is similar to Impatiens travancorica . These plants normally bear flowers in the rainy ( Monsoon ) season of July to October . Their flowers are white in colour with a pink border . They have been ncluded in the critically endangered category of IUCN ( International Union for Conservation of Nature ).