May 31, 2006, 14:58 GMT
Jerusalem - Israeli researchers have discovered eight previously unknown ancient animal species within 'a new and unique underground ecosystem' in central Israel, the Hebrew University of Jerusalem announced Tuesday.
The invertebrate animals found in the cave - four seawater and freshwater crustaceans and four terrestrial species - are related but different from other, similar life forms, the university said.
The species are estimated to be millions of years old and have been sent to biological experts in Israel and abroad for further analysis and dating.
The discovery of the new species came about when a small opening was found leading to a cave extending to a depth of 100 metres beneath the surface of a quarry in the vicinity of Ramle, south-east of Tel Aviv.
The cave, which Hebrew University Professor Amos Frumkin said is 'unique in the world', had been sealed off from the outside world since its surface is situated under a layer of chalk that is impenetrable to water.
All the animals were discovered live, except for a blind species of scorpion. However, Dr. Hanan Dimentman, one of the researchers involved in the project, said he expected a live scorpion, and possibly an animal or animals, which feed on scorpions, would be found in further explorations.
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