New invertebrate species found in Israel

[Wayne Harrison]

JERUSALEM, Israel -- Scientists at Israel's Hebrew University in Jerusalem say they have discovered a new species of invertebrate animals.

The researchers say the discovery was made in a cave that was uncovered as a result of excavations in a quarry near Ramle, Israel.

Scientists who examined the cave say they discovered 'a new and unique ecosystem,' including previously unknown aquatic and terrestrial species.

The scientists have scheduled a Wednesday news conference to reveal details of their find.

-- Google News

[Wayne Harrison]

Unique Underground Ecosystem Revealed by HU Researchers Uncovers Eight Previously Unknown Species
May 31 2006

Discovery of eight previously unknown, ancient animal species within “a new and unique underground ecosystemâ€

[Wayne Harrison]

Eight unknown species found in sealed cave

Chris McGreal in Jerusalem
Thursday June 1, 2006
The Guardian


Scientists say they have discovered eight previously unknown species of crustaceans and scorpion-like invertebrates living in an underground cave that has been sealed off for millions of years.
Geologists from Jerusalem's Hebrew university made the discovery at a quarry near Ramla in central Israel. They opened passages to a cave with a lake and a unique ecosystem 100 metres underground. Biologists discovered white crustaceans resembling shrimps and invertebrates looking like scorpions. Also in the cave were bacteria that serve as a food source.

"So far eight species were found in the cave, all of them unknown to science," said biologist Hanan Dimantman. "Every species examined had no eyes, so they lost their sight due to evolution. Apart from the scorpions, all are alive. The scorpions are dead but we are sure live scorpions are to be found under boulders."

The organisms were sent for DNA testing and found to be unique. Professor Amos Frumkin of Hebrew university described the cave as "unique in the world", mainly because of its isolation.

Full Story
http://www.guardian.co.uk/israel/Story/ ... 46,00.html