EVERY MAN A KING, EVERY ANIMAL A SPECIES

New species of dolphin identified off Australia (Globe and Mail, July 5th, 2005)

Australian researchers said Tuesday they have identified a new species of dolphin living in the coastal waters of northern Australia.

The Australian snubfin dolphin, which is related to Irrawaddy dolphins found along the coasts and major rivers of Asia and northern Australia, was formally identified as a new species thanks to genetic research carried out in California, Queensland state researchers said in a statement.

“There are clear differences between the two populations that had not been previously recognized and these were confirmed by the studies on DNA,” said Isabel Beasley, a doctoral student at James Cook University's School of Tropical Environmental Studies and Geography.

Ms. Beasley and Peter Arnold from the Museum of Tropical Queensland examined the skulls and external measurements of both species, as well as observations of the dolphins in seven countries.

This sort of reminds me of the Burnet family tree. Everybody grew up in Canada, but then one aunt and uncle moved to the States and speciated. More freckles and thinner skulls.