What Are the Unique Characteristics of the Newly Discovered Vertebrates?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the unique characteristics of newly discovered vertebrates, specifically focusing on the LeafTail Gecko, Cape Melville Shade skink, and Blotched Boulder frog. Participants explore various aspects of these species, including their physical features and survival strategies.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant shares images and links related to the LeafTail Gecko, Cape Melville Shade skink, and Blotched Boulder frog.
  • Another participant expresses confusion regarding the anatomy of the LeafTail Gecko.
  • A different participant speculates that the head of the gecko is on the left side, noting the relative strength of the hind legs.
  • There is mention of a newly verified species of dolphin, suggesting a broader context of recent discoveries in vertebrates.
  • One participant discusses the gecko's survival strategy, suggesting it confuses predators by making its tail appear like its head.
  • Another participant states that all geckos have elbows and knees oriented oppositely and offers a speculative addendum about the functional design of their limbs for movement.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the anatomy and survival strategies of the gecko, with no consensus reached on the interpretations of its features or the implications of its design.

Contextual Notes

Some assumptions about the gecko's anatomy and survival strategies remain unverified, and the discussion includes speculative reasoning that is not universally accepted.

Pythagorean
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The LeafTail Gecko

http://www-public.jcu.edu.au/public/groups/everyone/documents/media_release/284852.3.jpg

Cape Melville Shade skink

http://www-public.jcu.edu.au/public/groups/everyone/documents/media_release/284852.4.jpg

The Blotched Boulder frog

http://www-public.jcu.edu.au/public/groups/everyone/documents/media_release/284852.5.jpg

http://www-public.jcu.edu.au/news/current/JCU_130192
 
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I can't make head or tail of the gecko!
 
My bet is head is on the left. Hind legs are typically stronger, and those on the right look thicker.

Other than that it looks just like two animals linked in the middle.
 
survival strategy

Gecko has developed a beatiful estrategy of confussing depredators in their attack, they surely attack the most prominent extreme, that seems the head, but is the tail.
Beatiful creature, even the elbows and knees are apparently the opposite.
 
All geckos have elbows and knees oriented opposite, as far as I know.

addendum:

oversimplified speculation: I think the idea is that you use pushing for power and pulling for precision, so the front are set up to emphasize pulling and the rear are setup to emphasize pushing.
 
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