Syntrichia caninervis
Source: Wion
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Context
- 'Syntrichia caninervis,' a desert moss, shows extraordinary resilience to extreme conditions, making it a potential candidate for space exploration and extraterrestrial colonization.
Details
Key Points
- Desert moss 'Syntrichia caninervis' identified as highly resilient to conditions suitable on Mars.
- It helps in space exploration and establishing sustainable habitats on Mars.
- Resilience Factors:
- Tolerates drought
- Temperatures as low as −196°C
- High gamma radiation.
- It surpasses highly stress-tolerant microorganisms.
Syntrichia caninervis
- Known for:
- These are known for extreme resilience.
- Global Distribution:
- It is found in severe desert environments like Tibet, Antarctica and circumpolar regions.
- Significance in Space Exploration:
- It has potential use in establishing sustainable habitats on Mars.
- Superior environmental resilience compared to highly stress-resistant microorganisms and tardigrades.
- It has shown remarkable regeneration ability after exposure to extreme conditions.
Moss
- Characteristics:
- It is a non-vascular plant found in moist and shady environments.
- It lacks true roots and possess simple leaves & stems.
- It can reproduce via spores instead of seeds.
- Ecological Importance:
- It helps in soil formation and prevent erosion.
- It acts as bioindicators of environmental health.
- It provides suitable habitat for microorganisms and small invertebrates.
- Distribution and Habitats:
- It is widely distributed from tropical rainforest to arctic tundra.
- It can thrive in diverse environments including forests, wetlands and deserts.
- Role in Ecosystems:
- It plays a crucial role in water retention and nutrient cycling.
- It forms symbiotic relationships with fungi and bacteria.
Sources:
Wion
PRACTICE QUESTION Q. Consider the following statements regarding Syntrichia caninervis: 1.Syntrichia caninervis is a desert moss known for its extreme drought tolerance. 2.It has demonstrated the ability to survive temperatures as low as -196°C and high levels of gamma radiation. 3.It primarily thrives in tropical rainforests and wetlands. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? a) 1 only b) 1 and 2 only c) 2 and 3 only d) 1, 2, and 3 Answer: b) |