According to estimates, approximately on our planet there is 10 million animal speciesOf which 8 million are still unknown. Unfortunately, many will be extinguished before we learn about their existence. And not all unarmed eyes. Some hide in such unexpected places as an underground Roman aqueduct. In fact, exactly where Two scientists from the European University of Madrid and one of the Autonomous University Madrid They discovered a new look Isopod
It can be from the ISOPOD sounds on another planet, but why do you know them? They are mostly the same. There are many types and is found everywhere; But, in particular, the one that these scientists discovered was underground, in some Roman remains located in the city CarmononSeville.
This isoopod was baptized as Baeticoniscus Carmonensis And he reminds us that, as he explained Hypertual One of its researchers, ecologist Alvaro LunaThere is no need to go to the Amazon to find new species of animals. Sometimes they are among us, just below our legs.
White motits that turned out to be a new look
This conclusion was just published, but occurred several years ago. Alvaro Luna and his partner Enrique Peni investigated the fauna Underground galleries system He built Carmone in the Roman era, when something attracted his attention. Some “white points” that moved on a piece of wood. “As the flashlights saw, it was some type of very small and whitish invertebrates, and it all started,” says the moon.
At the moment, the researcher emphasizes the role Andaluz Association of Underground Research (AAES)Which for many years studied these galleries and others from the region, laying the foundations so that more professionals can contribute to the corresponding sand grain. ”
The next step, logically, was to take samples of these small invertebrates to check what kind they belong to. “At that moment he entered Hulio Sifuenteswho completed the work Identification and description of the type“He says that the ecologist consulted with this tool.” Without this it would be impossible to do the work itself, since the rest of the involved Experts of this group of animals“He adds to this that“ it is important to once again recognize the scientific contribution of taxonomas, a discipline in which proper justice is not fulfilled. ”
So is people with great knowledge about the description and detailed classification of species. Therefore, they are necessary when the opening is made to check whether this is a new look or others, which was already known earlier. “The presence of experts in certain groups allows you to work this type, but today taxonomy Does not receive the necessary support“
The key is compared
Samples were collected by hand from the Roman gallery without using traps. Then they were saved in 70 % ethanol and prepared for the analysis of the microscope. Several digits were created using Microscope and stereomicroscopeThe second field is a type of optical microscope that provides Three -dimensional vision Thanks to the use of two lenses in each eye. This allows you to distinguish between the smallest parts of what is observed by scattering each structure. This device, together with a 12 -megapixel digital camera, which made it possible to make images that will subsequently be used to create drawings using Graphic editor.
After this first step, the samples were postponed in the collection of isopodes National Museum of Natural Sciences MadridThe field since then this has been enough with the numbers obtained to compare them with the indicators of other isoles and look for their similarities and differences. With the help of an experienced taxon, such as Julio Tsifuentes, it was much easier.
It was noted that the isopodes found in Carmona belonged to the genre BaeticoniscusBut not some kind of famous species. In particular, it differs from related species in the presence of the eyes, as well as the location of structures known as tubers and ribs in a hung Head and chest. Therefore, they were before a new look: Baeticoniscus CarmonensisField
Ness
Underground ecosystems are one of the most ignored conservation policyTherefore, they have a lot of ignorance, even among specialized scientists. In these ecosystems, which are associated with the structures created by people, they are even less studied. There are even several examples that show that they can place a very interesting fauna. For example, amphibians were found in Abandoned railway tunnels and drainage galleries. There was even a team of Italian caps that found a new look of a beetle, Boldoria Ghidnii Ghidnii V Castle training.
In this case, new types of isopodes were found in underground galleries, which, perhaps, formed aqueduct in Roman times. This is not the first time, but one of the first cases when a new species of animals is found in Archaeological place undergroundFortunately, more and more scientists work side by side with archaeologists and speleoists to analyze the fauna of these places. The results are fascinating.
“It is very interesting to make sure that the fauna of human environments, such as archaeological places, cemeteries, forests associated with sacred spaces, etc. From the point of view of archeology, become more and more studied, they work zealously in Greece, and the inventory made indicate that a large selection of Greek diversity is present in its archinological areas. Sometimes in circumstances.
You must spread more
All this shows us that underground environments are a magnificent world for study, but Modus Operandi This has been used so far. For Alvaro Moon, this can be achieved only through distribution. “You should make more distribution and bet on Creative projects This conveys the beauty and uniqueness of these ecosystems to the general public, which, for obvious reasons, will not always be able to see many of these environment with their own eyes. “In addition, he adds that for those sites that are visited,” should be affected by him The biological value of underground ecosystems, Outside of geological or historical content, which is equally important. “
If this is done, thousands of animal species that we still do not know, will not be found, but we can accept some surprises. In the end, most likely, these species that were found in Roman galleries or castles are many More extended by other placesYou just have to find them with a field.
Why in Roman ruins?
In fact, this new look, like others, was discovered in an archaeological place, is very curious, but it does not necessarily have an explanation. “The fact that some are created by a person is secondary, this is still a habitat that unites Conditions that are favorable And which are naturally colonized by views. For example, this new isopopa lives mainly in Net woodThese ruins express it easily, but it can be in many other places.
Can this new look be in danger?
We saw that of thousands of species that should be discovered, many can be repaid before we recognize them. But what about those who live underground or archaeological sites? What kind of danger are they?
To answer these problems, we must first differentiate if they are in archaeological conditions You can visit or not visit. In the first case, the influx of people can violate the habitat of animals. However, in the event of this new type, it is found in a place that is visited only Maximum 5 times a year (sometimes not) for scientific purposes. There is no tourism.
“In general, or not, the risks in underground environments can be associated with episodes of pollution. In addition, from the collapse of these sudden systems and changes in environmental conditions. On the other hand, in those underground ecosystems that can be attended, there is an impact that can be exerted more from a bound human pressure. ”
The new species is already in the list of famous animals, and, indeed, there was no need to travel to the Amazon to find it. With these scientific conclusions, this happens as with tourism. It is very interesting to go to Tokyo and know their culture. Nevertheless, even more the traditions of the people of your family, which are 50 kilometers. Or all the cultural diversity of your country. Also, We have an unknown world under our feet.
Source: Hiper Textual
