Introduction to Melanochlamys Droupadi UPSC

Welcome to PreCrack! Recently, the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) has discovered a new marine species of head-shield sea slug. This sea slug has a distinctive ruby red spot. They have discovered this sea slug on the West Bengal and Odisha coasts. The naming of this new sea slug species after president of India Draupadi Murmu as ‘Melanochlamys Droupadi’, has taken this discovery to the headlines.

Why Melanochlamys Droupadi is in the news?

Melanochlamys Droupadi has gained attention due to its recent discovery by the Zoological Survey of India along the West Bengal and Odisha coasts. Named after the President of India, Droupadi Murmu, this marine species is a head-shield sea slug with a distinctive ruby red spot.

What is Melanochlamys Droupadi?

Melanochlamys Droupadi is a recently discovered marine species named after the President of India, Droupadi Murmu. This species belongs to the Melanochlamys genus. This head-shield sea slug with a distinctive ruby red spot was found exclusively along the West Bengal and Odisha coasts.

Named after President of India, Draupadi Murmu

Melanochlamys Droupadi, a newly discovered sea slug, is named after the President of India, Droupadi Murmu. The nomenclature honors President Murmu, highlighting the significance of the finding in marine biology and conservation.

Features & Characteristics

We have added all key physical features and Characteristics of this new discovery of Melanochlamys Droupadi-

• Size: Up to 7 mm in length.
• Body: Short, blunt, and cylindrical.
• Color: Brownish-black with a distinctive ruby red spot.
• Habitat: Exclusive to the West Bengal and Odisha coasts.
• Reproduction: Hermaphroditic, with breeding observed between November and January.
• Protective Behavior: Secrets transparent mucus to form a sheath, preventing sand entry.
• Movement: Creates moving capsules beneath smooth sand.
• Discovery: Identified by the Zoological Survey of India.
• Significance: Named after the President of India, Droupadi Murmu.
• Genus: Belongs to the Melanochlamys genus.
• Distribution: Three species of this genus, including Melanochlamys bengalensis, are found in tropical waters along the West Bengal and Odisha coasts.

Significance of the Discovery

These are a few key significance of this discovery-

1. Biodiversity Contribution: The identification of Melanochlamys Droupadi adds to our understanding of marine biodiversity, particularly in the specific coastal regions of West Bengal and Odisha.
2. Exclusive Species: Being found exclusively along the West Bengal and Odisha coasts, this sea slug represents a unique and localized species, emphasizing the importance of preserving regional marine ecosystems.
3. Scientific Recognition: The naming of the species after the President of India, Droupadi Murmu, brings attention to the scientific community’s recognition of its significance and importance in marine biology.
4. Conservation Implications: The discovery underscores the need for ongoing conservation efforts to protect and preserve unique marine species, especially those with restricted geographical distributions.
5. Educational Value: The finding provides educational opportunities for researchers, students, and the public, contributing to our collective knowledge of marine life and ecosystems.

Definition

Hermaphroditism is a biological condition where an organism possesses both male and female reproductive organs. This allows the organism to produce both eggs and sperm.

Types of Hermaphroditism

1. Simultaneous Hermaphroditism: Individuals have both male and female reproductive organs simultaneously. They can produce eggs and sperm at the same time.
2. Sequential Hermaphroditism: Individuals change their sex during their lifetime. There are two types:
3. Protandry: Starts as male and changes to female.
4. Protogyny: Starts as female and changes to male.

Advantages

• Increased Reproductive Opportunities: Hermaphroditic organisms can potentially mate with any other member of their species, increasing reproductive opportunities.
• Colonization Success: Hermaphroditism can be advantageous in colonizing new environments where finding a mate might be challenging.

Examples in Nature

• Earthworms: Many earthworm species are hermaphroditic, facilitating mating between two individuals.
• Snails: Some snail species are simultaneous hermaphrodites, exchanging sperm with each other during mating.
• Sequential Hermaphrodites: The clownfish is an example of a fish that can change sex. In a group, when the dominant female dies, the dominant male can transform into a female.

Reproductive Strategies

1. Self-Fertilization: Some hermaphroditic species can self-fertilize, ensuring reproductive success even in the absence of a mate.
2. Cross-Fertilization: Others may engage in cross-fertilization, exchanging gametes with another individual.

Significance in Research

1. Evolutionary Studies: Hermaphroditism provides insights into evolutionary strategies for reproduction and mating.
2. Conservation: Understanding the reproductive strategies of hermaphroditic species is crucial for conservation efforts, especially in the context of population dynamics and genetic diversity.

Research and Documentation

• ZSI focuses on the exploration, survey, and research of the faunal diversity in various regions of India.
• It plays a crucial role in documenting and cataloging animal species, including their taxonomy, distribution, and ecological aspects.

Taxonomic Studies

• ZSI is actively involved in taxonomic studies, which involve the identification, classification, and naming of animal species.
• Taxonomic research is fundamental for understanding biodiversity and conservation.

Faunal Inventory

The organization works on creating comprehensive faunal inventories, which serve as valuable resources for scientists, researchers, and policymakers.

Conservation and Biodiversity Monitoring

• ZSI contributes to conservation efforts by providing scientific data on species distribution and population status.
• It plays a vital role in monitoring changes in biodiversity, especially in the context of environmental changes and anthropogenic impacts.

Publication and Education

• ZSI publishes research findings, scientific papers, and books, contributing to the dissemination of knowledge in the field of zoology.
• It is involved in educational activities, providing training and resources for students and researchers.

International Collaboration

ZSI collaborates with international organizations, fostering global cooperation in the study of biodiversity and wildlife conservation.

Regional Centers

ZSI has regional centers across India, strategically located to focus on the specific faunal diversity of different regions.

Type Registries

ZSI maintains type registries, which are collections of specimens used in the original description of a species. These serve as reference points for future research.

Key Facts about Melanochlamys Droupadi

We have added a few key facts about the newly discovered Melanochlamys Droupadi here-

FAQs – UPSC Questions on Melanochlamys Droupadi

Question-1: What is Melanochlamys Droupadi?

Answer. Melanochlamys Droupadi is a newly discovered species of sea slug found along the West Bengal and Odisha coasts, named after the President of India, Droupadi Murmu.

Question-2: Who discovered Melanochlamys Droupadi?

Answer. The discovery was made by the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI).

Question-3: What makes this sea slug unique?

Answer. Melanochlamys Droupadi is distinctive for its small size, brownish-black coloration, and a prominent ruby red spot.

Question-4: Why is it named after Droupadi Murmu?

Answer. The species is named as a tribute to the President of India, Droupadi Murmu, in recognition of her role in public service.

Question-5: Where was Melanochlamys Droupadi found?

Answer. Specimens were discovered in Digha on the West Bengal coast and Udaipur on the Odisha coast.

Question-6: What is the significance of this discovery?

Answer. The discovery contributes to our understanding of marine biodiversity, particularly in the specified coastal regions, and emphasizes the need for conservation.

Question-7: Is Melanochlamys Droupadi a common species?

Answer. No, it is a unique species found exclusively in the specified coastal areas and not identified anywhere else in the world.

Question-8: What are the reproductive characteristics of this sea slug?

Answer. Melanochlamys Droupadi is hermaphroditic, reproducing between November and January, and exhibits distinctive behaviors such as secreting transparent mucus.

Question-9: How is the Zoological Survey of India involved in this discovery?

Answer. The ZSI played a pivotal role in confirming the species through morphological, anatomical, and molecular examinations.

Question-10: What are the ongoing research areas related to Melanochlamys Droupadi?

Answer. Ongoing research focuses on understanding its ecological role, behavior, and potential impact on the marine ecosystem, contributing valuable information to marine science.