Israeli scientists have discovered a prehistoric ecosystem that existed millions of years ago, previously unknown to science.
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| A new species of white crustacean, blind (Photo: Reuters) |
The discovery was made in a cave near the city of Ramle in Israel. Scientists found 8 previously unknown species of crustaceans and invertebrates, resembling scorpions in appearance.
Hanan Dimantman, a biologist at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, stated that the cave ecosystem could date back 5 million years, when the Mediterranean Sea covered parts of Israel.
The cave is completely sealed off from the outside world, with even water and nutrients unable to penetrate through the cracks in the rock above. Scientists believe it has remained untouched for millions of years.
“Every organism we examined is blind, indicating they lost their eyesight through evolution,” Dimantman said. DNA testing on the specimens showed they are completely unique. The cave has been sealed off for further detailed surveys.
“This is a cave of extraordinary biodiversity,” Dimantman remarked.
M.T.
