IAS Gyan

Daily News Analysis

Thismia malayana

7th June, 2024 Environment

Thismia malayana

Source: EurekAlert

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Context

  • Thismia malayana, a new plant species discovered in Malaysia, uniquely survives by stealing nutrients from underground fungi, thriving in low-light rainforest understories.
  • Classified as Vulnerable, its limited distribution and environmental sensitivity emphasize the importance of conservation, especially given its proximity to hiking trails.

Details

Key Points

  • Biodiversity and Conservation:
    • Highlights the discovery of a new species, emphasizing the importance of biodiversity in tropical rainforests and the need for conservation efforts.
  • Ecological Adaptation:
    • Demonstrates unique plant adaptations, like mycoheterotrophy, and their role in ecosystem dynamics.
  • Environmental Science:
    • Discusses the vulnerability of species to environmental changes and human activities, underscoring the necessity for sustainable development.
  • IUCN Red List Criteria:
    • Addresses the classification of species based on vulnerability and the implications for conservation policies.
  • Forest Ecosystems:
    • Examines the role of forest ecosystems in supporting diverse plant species and the impacts of human activities on these habitats.

​Sources:

EurekAlert

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q. Thismia malayana, a recently discovered plant species in Malaysia, is an example of:

a)Epiphyte

b)Mycoheterotroph

c)Parasite

d)Carnivorous plant

Answer: b)