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KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - Scientists are scratching their heads over strange patterns cropping up on moss-covered logs in parks in the region. Biologists first discovered symmetrical, bulls-eye patterned bare patches on liverworts, a plant closely related to moss, growing on fallen pine trees in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park last winter.
While biologists first thought snails were to blame, a closer look showed a lack of zigzag patterns, which would have suggested snail feeding patterns.
Other scientists have speculated millipedes may be to blame, but tests remain inconclusive.
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