ZSI Discovers Two New Marine Worm Species
In News
What Happened
Why It Matters
Background
History & Context
What Changed
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BEFORE: Polychaete diversity in West Bengal's highly polluted mudflats was assumed to be limited due to toxic, sulfide-rich conditions. NOW: The discovery of Namalycastis solenotognatha and Nereis dhritiae proves that specialized benthic communities actively thrive in these extreme estuarine environments.
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BEFORE: Routine monitoring of estuarine health relied heavily on chemical water testing. NOW: The identification of these two pollution-tolerant worm species offers a vital biological tool, acting as bioindicators for coastal ecosystem health.
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BEFORE: The faunal records of the Bay of Bengal's benthic layer lacked documentation of these specific resilient polychaetes. NOW: ZSI's official cataloging adds two newly described species to the global biodiversity database, enriching India's marine faunal repository.
Prelims Angle
NCERT Connection
Practice Questions
Q1
Correct Statement(s)Consider the following statements regarding the newly discovered marine worms Namalycastis solenotognatha and Nereis dhritiae: 1. They belong to the phylum Annelida and possess parapodia. 2. They were found surviving in highly polluted, sulfide-rich mudflats along the West Bengal coast, acting as potential bioindicators. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?