Top 10 Evolutionarily Unique Animals

I came across an interesting list I wanted to share...and some really weird/amazing/cute photos....

Using a scientific framework to identify the world’s most Evolutionarily Distinct and Globally Endangered (EDGE) species, the EDGE of Existence programme highlights and protects some of the weirdest and most wonderful species on the planet. This is a list of the top 10.

Top 10 Evolutionary Unique Animals

[atsimg]http://files.abovetopsecret.com/images/member/351ab298a2a7.jpg[/atsimg]
10. Pygmy hippopotamus

[atsimg]http://files.abovetopsecret.com/images/member/09097105cde0.jpg[/atsimg]
9. Attenborough’s long-beaked echidna

[atsimg]http://files.abovetopsecret.com/images/member/c288fcaf0282.jpg[/atsimg]
8. Bactrian camel

[atsimg]http://files.abovetopsecret.com/images/member/914e4d331026.jpg[/atsimg]
7. Yangtze River dolphin

[atsimg]http://files.abovetopsecret.com/images/member/4643fa6db15a.jpg[/atsimg]
6. Slender loris

[atsimg]http://files.abovetopsecret.com/images/member/3d146f821a3c.jpg[/atsimg]
5. Hirola antelope

[atsimg]http://files.abovetopsecret.com/images/member/095ce0cdfdec.jpg[/atsimg]
4. Bumblebee bat

[atsimg]http://files.abovetopsecret.com/images/member/b5268a8cdece.jpg[/atsimg]
3. Golden-rumped elephant shrew

[atsimg]http://files.abovetopsecret.com/images/member/ba5a2907b0a1.jpg[/atsimg]
2. Hispaniolan solenodon

[atsimg]http://files.abovetopsecret.com/images/member/d8911673e213.jpg[/atsimg]
1. Long-eared jerboa

Edge of Existence

As we humans move ever forward and onward, let us consider, at what cost we proceed. Tread lightly.

Peace.

No platypus. Wow.
The most evolutionary unique animal on the planet - eeeeasily, the only other animal in its entire genome is the Echidna - monotreme - egg laying mammals - oops a daisy.

Cool list! They all look cute! I know camels can spit and be tough critters but that picture makes them look really happy together. How endangered are some of those little dudes and dudettes? Like how many living in the world currently?

Also I do not know if this is relevant but it is kind of cool. It is a website called the "Encyclopedia of life". They are trying to categorize every single living thing on the entire planet for free quick access online. The website is

www.eol.org...

reply to post by TurkeyBurgers


There is a species of Camel in the Mongolian Desert that is so hard to find and so endangered it is estimated there are only around 300-400 of them left.
I believe that Planet Earth (Discovery Channel) did a segment on them in one of their episodes.


Dear lord that Jerboa is cute!

Indeed they are all amazing creatures. Such a crime that we are currently losing so much of the earth’s wildlife.

I think that the Seahorse should also be added to the list

Very strangely shaped fish and one of the few creatures in which the male has the baby’s... in fact, i can’t think of any other creature that does...

Oh... they are also Monogamous (stick to 1 mate for life) which means they are more loyal than most humans

" target='_blank' class='tabOff'/>