On an hostile expedition to collect amphibious larval specimens from fast - flowing streams , explorers deeply in the remote jungles of Sumatra unknowingly discovered two new metal money of frogs with a unique adaption to their environment .
Whereas most tadpoles have a modest mouth called an oral disc , the tadpoles of the newly namedSumaterana montanaandSumaterana dabulescensfrogs have suck - like cups on their belly below their back talk . Researchers think it could give them a militant edge in their tight - paced environment .
" This phenomenon where tadpoles expose ' paunch suckers ' is know as gastromyzophory and , albeit not unheard of , is a rare adaption that is only found in certain salientian in the Americas and batrachian in Asia , " explains lead author Umilaela Arifin in astatement .
Scientists say more research is ask , but they suspect the belly sucker give pollywog the ability to deposit to surface in rapid water system . The modified abdomen is only presented in the larval level , giving the developing buggers sole admittance to a counter of nutrient such as algae , whereas compete organism might simply be washed downriver .
The Sumatran cascade frogSumaterana crassiovisin its natural habitat . Umilaela Arifin
Molecular and morphologic data determined that the amphibian ' evolutionary makeup was so decided that it warrant the creation of a new genus , reidentifying the formerly know Sumatran frogChalcorana crassiovisto the newSumateranagenus .
" We decide to call the new genus Sumaterana after Sumatra , to meditate the fact that these new species , with their rare evolutionary adaptation are endemic to Sumatra ’s rainforest and , in a sense , are emblematic of the exceptional diverseness of animals and plant on the island , " says carbon monoxide gas - source Dr Utpal Smart . " Tragically , all of them are in peril today , give way the current rate of deforestation . "
Sumatra is one of more than 17,000 islands that make up Indonesia ’s megadiverse ecosystem . Smack - dab between Australia and Asia , the state is home to 16 percent of the cosmos ’s amphibian and reptile species . Naturally , biodiversity scientist are capture by the island . The generator say more taxonomic work is want to further investigate the islands ' herpetofaunal variety .
The finding were publish in the journalZoosystemics and Evolution .
