Research
Europe's look-alike Alpine newts turn out to be five distinct species
Phys.org ·
The Brief
- Genetic research by Leiden biologists found that the species previously called the Alpine newt is actually five distinct species.
- One of the five species was new to science and has been named Mesotriton similis.
- The species look very similar, which is why they were long grouped together.
Why it matters
Accurate species boundaries matter for conservation planning and for research that depends on correctly identifying which animals are being studied.
Who’s affected
- herpetologists and conservation biologists
- amphibian researchers and wildlife managers in Europe
What scientists until recently called the Alpine newt has turned out to be five different species, following genetic research by Leiden biologists. One of these species was even new to science and has now been given a name: Mesotriton similis.
Timeline
Research on the five newt species reported in news coverage
Biology News - Evolution, Cell theory, Gene theory, Microbiology, Biotechnology
Europe's look-alike Alpine newts turn out to be five distinct species