Description

Stellaria

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Context:

After a plant species of the genus Stellaria (family Caryophyllaceae) was reported from Kerala earlier this year, researchers have identified another member of the same genus at Kalimpong district in West Bengal.

About Stellaria

It is a new species belonging to the genus Stellaria (family Caryophyllaceae).

Features

It is an annual herb growing to a height of 15 cm. Known to occur only in the Nelliyampathy Hills so far and that too at an altitude of 1,250-1,400 meters.
It differs from other species of this genus in the characteristics of petals, pollen morphology, bracts, sepals, and seed architecture.
This is the first species of the genus Stellaria reported from South India.
Scientists have recommended that Stellaria mcclintockiae be classified as Critically Endangered under the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) criteria.

About Caryophyllaceae

Caryophyllaceae, commonly called the rose family or the carnation family, is a family of flowering plants. It belongs to the dicotyledonous order Caryophyllales in the APG III system, along with 33 other families, including Amaranthaceae, Cactaceae, and Polygonaceae. It is a large family with 81 genera and about 2,625 known species.

READ ABOUT

Stellaria mcclintockiae

Source:

THE HINDU

Amphibious Mouse

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Context:

According to Conservation International an "amphibious mouse" with partially webbed feet that eats aquatic insects was among 27 new species discovered during a 2022 expedition to Peru's Amazon.

What did researchers find in the Peruvian rainforest?

Researchers found 151 mammals in total, four of them new to science, including a bat, a squirrel, and a spiny mouse. At least 12 of these species are threatened with extinction.

About Amphibious mouse

The amphibious mouse the team discovered is part of the aguajales ecosystem — a swampy area dominated by aguaje palms. The area is a designated “ecosystem recovery zone,” where deforestation for rice farming is a threat to the mouse’s unique habitat.

About Amphibians

They belong to the phylum Chordata of the kingdom Animalia, e.g. frogs, toads, salamanders, newts, cetaceans, etc.
These are multicellular vertebrates that live both on land and in water.
They are the first cold-blooded animals to appear on land.
Cold-blooded animals can be defined as animals that cannot regulate their internal body temperature when the environment changes.
They breathe through the lungs and skin.
They have three-chambered hearts.

Importance

Meanwhile, from an ecological point of view, amphibians are considered vital ecological indicators. Due to the high degree of sensitivity, they are studied and indicate habitat fragmentation, ecosystem stress, the influence of pesticides and various anthropogenic activities.
They are important biological indicators and are important to the wider health of ecosystems.
They play an important role as both predator and prey. Amphibians eat pests, which is beneficial for agriculture and in controlling diseases such as malaria and others.
Amphibians are important from a medical point of view. Amphibian skin contains various types of peptides and offers the possibility of medical treatment for several human diseases.
Currently, they are also used in some painkillers.

Source:

THE HINDU

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q.The term "Stellaria" was recently in the news in the context of which of the following?

A newly discovered species of marine life.
A genus of flowering plants commonly known as chickweeds.
A species of invasive alien species impacting biodiversity.
A proposed conservation effort for endangered flora in India.

Select the correct answer using the code below:

(a) 1 and 2

(b) 2 and 3

(d) 1 and 4

Answer: b

Explanation:

Stellaria refers to a genus of flowering plants commonly known as chickweeds. Recently, some species of Stellaria were in the news due to their role as invasive alien species that are impacting local biodiversity, especially in areas where they are non-native.