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So far in 2025, scientists have discovered several species of animals and plants.

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A fuzzy little plant was discovered in Big Bend National Park, Texas. It is the first new plant discovery in a U. S. national park in nearly 50 years.

The scientific name of this plant is Ovicula biradiata. Ovicula means“ tiny sheep.” Scientists gave the plant this name because it’ s covered with thick white hairs. It looks a bit like a tiny sheep.

The small, fuzzy flower grows in the rocky soils of the Chihuahuan Desert and appears only after rainfall. Its wooly appearance has also earned it another nickname: the wooly devil.

Researchers are studying the wooly devil to see if the plant might offer health benefits. Using a microscope, they noticed small glands that, in other plants, have been linked to anti-cancer properties.

Discovering new plants like this one shows how important it is to preserve plant life in deserts and other parts of the world.

Photo: National Park Service

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When did this happen?

Where did this happen?

Researchers on an expedition to Peru have been seeking new animals— and they succeeded! So far, they’ ve discovered 27 new animal species.

One of the most unusual finds is a fish that the researchers are calling the“ blob-headed” fish. Why the name? Because its head has a large blob-like shape.

One theory is that the blob helps this fish locate food, but for now, that remains a hypothesis. The blob is still a mystery.

Why is this important?

Scientists have never seen anything quite like this catfish cousin.

We have the