Greta Thunberg made a snail: a new species named after an activist
Slimy’s honor: Researchers at the University of Greifswald named a new species of snail after climate activist Greta Thunberg.
Greifswald / Auckland – Slimy Honor: According to climate activist Greta Thunberg (18) A type of snail is now called.
Researchers at the University of Greifswald have named a new type of snail after the Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg (18). © Gerlien Verhaegen / Martin Haase / University of Greifswald / dpa, Antonio Calanni / AP / dpa
Researchers at the University of Greifswald discovered four new species in New Zealand in 2016.
After further investigations, they named one of the snails Opacuincola gretathunbergae after the initiator of the “Friday for the Future” movement, the university announced Monday.
These are freshwater snails that are less than three millimeters in size and can only be found in very small springs and streams.
On the one hand, the name is an expression of respect for researchers.
It also provides an opportunity to increase awareness of biodiversity and species extinction in relation to man-made climate change.
Another newly discovered genre is the New Zealand composer Gareth Farr (52) (Obtusopyrgus farri). Scientists describe their findings in the European Journal of Taxonomy.
Cover photo: Gerlien Verhaegen / Martin Haase / University of Greifswald / dpa, Antonio Calanni / AP / dpa