Someone Posted an Instagram Selfie. Scientists Spotted a Giant New Species in the Background

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1. 2h ago

   Instagram Selfie Leads to Discovery of Giant Waterlily Species

   A giant waterlily species was discovered in Colombia after an American tourist posted an Instagram selfie with the plant in the background. Scientists identified the rare plant, which has nearly doubled the known species of giant waterlilies. The discovery was made by researchers who spotted the plant in the tourist's photo.

   Why it matters

   The discovery of the giant waterlily species highlights the importance of citizen science and the role of social media in aiding scientific research. Giant waterlilies are rare and often found in remote areas, making it difficult for scientists to discover new species. This find has significant implications for the study of botany and conservation.

   What is confirmed

   • The giant waterlily species was discovered in Colombia.
   • The discovery was made after an American tourist posted an Instagram selfie with the plant in the background.
   • The discovery has nearly doubled the known species of giant waterlilies.
   • The new species of giant waterlily may already be critically endangered.

   Still unconfirmed

   • The new species of giant waterlily may already be critically endangered due to its limited habitat and potential threats.

   What to watch next

   • Further research on the giant waterlily species to determine its conservation status
   • Study of the plant's habitat and potential threats to its survival
   • Efforts to protect and conserve the newly discovered species
   Sources used for this update (7)

   1. Phys.org — Chance Instagram sighting leads to discovery of rare giant water lily in Colombia
   2. People.com — An American Tourist Posted an Instagram Selfie in Colombia. It Helped Scientists Discover a Whole New Species
   3. The Guardian — How a plant selfie in Colombian jungle led to ‘jaw dropping’ giant waterlily find
   4. New Scientist — Number of known species of giant waterlilies almost doubles
   5. Gizmodo — Someone Posted an Instagram Selfie. Scientists Spotted a Giant New Species in the Background
   6. IFLScience — New Species Of Waterlily Discovered By Scrolling Instagram May Already Be Critically Endangered
   7. PetaPixel — Instagram Selfie Accidentally Leads to Discovery of Giant Waterlily Species
   confidence 95%