Daily Current Affairs : 6-May-2024
A new species of marine tardigrade has been observed off the southeast coast of Tamil Nadu, India. This tiny creature, named Batillipes chandrayaani, was given its name in honor of India’s Chandrayaan-3 moon mission, which successfully landed on the Moon. This is the third species of marine tardigrades to be officially defined from Indian waters, and its discovery has piqued the interest of scientists and nature lovers alike.
What are Tardigrades?
Tardigrades, also called water bears, are microscopic, aquatic animals known for their remarkable resilience. Despite their small size, typically measuring between 0.3 and 0.5 millimeters in length, tardigrades are famous for surviving extreme environmental conditions that would be deadly to most other forms of life.
Key Features of Tardigrades:
- Resilience: Tardigrades can endure extreme temperatures, high levels of radiation, and even the vacuum of space.
- Aquatic Habitat: They live in water, often in moist environments like moss, lichen, or marine habitats.
- Segmented Bodies: Their bodies are made up of segments, and they have distinct, flexible limbs.
Marine Tardigrades
Marine tardigrades make up 17% of all known tardigrade species. These species live in marine environments and have adapted to the specific conditions of the ocean. They are typically found in deep-sea habitats or on coastal shores.
Batillipes chandrayaani – A Unique Discovery
The newly observed tardigrade species Batillipes chandrayaani stands out due to its unique physical features. It has a trapezoid-shaped head and four pairs of legs, each ending with sharp sensory spines. These sensory spines are vital for the tardigrade to detect its environment, helping it survive in the complex marine ecosystem.
Why is This Discovery Important?
Scientific Contribution:
- The discovery adds valuable knowledge about tardigrade diversity in India, particularly in marine environments.
Named After Chandrayaan-3:
- The species honors the successful Chandrayaan-3 mission, symbolizing India’s achievements in space exploration and scientific progress.
Tardigrade Research:
- Studying tardigrades helps scientists learn more about the resilience of living organisms, especially those that thrive in extreme conditions.
Important Points:
- New Species Discovered: A new marine tardigrade species, Batillipes chandrayaani, was discovered off the southeast coast of Tamil Nadu, India.
- Name Inspiration: The species is named after Chandrayaan-3, India’s successful moon mission.
- Third Marine Tardigrade from India: This is the third marine tardigrade species scientifically described from Indian waters.
- Tardigrades (Water Bears): Microscopic, aquatic animals known for their resilience, often surviving extreme conditions like high radiation and even space.
- Key Features of Tardigrades:
- Resilience: Can endure extreme temperatures, radiation, and the vacuum of space.
- Aquatic Habitat: Live in water, including moist environments like moss, lichen, and marine ecosystems.
- Segmented Bodies: Their bodies consist of segments with flexible limbs.
- Marine Tardigrades: Represent 17% of all known tardigrade species and are adapted to live in ocean environments.
- Batillipes chandrayaani:
- Has a trapezoid-shaped head and four pairs of legs.
- Each leg ends with sharp sensory spines for detecting the environment.
- Significance of the Discovery:
- Scientific Contribution: Adds to the understanding of tardigrade diversity, especially in marine habitats.
- Space Exploration Link: The species is named after India’s Chandrayaan-3 mission, symbolizing scientific progress.
- Resilience Study: Provides insights into the resilience of living organisms in extreme conditions.
Why In News
A new marine tardigrade species discovered off the southeast coast of Tamil Nadu has been named Batillipes chandrayaani in honor of the Chandrayaan-3 moon mission, celebrating India’s achievements in space exploration and scientific innovation. This discovery highlights the growing understanding of the diversity of life in marine ecosystems and underscores the connection between Earth-bound research and space exploration.
MCQs about A New Marine Tardigrade Named After Chandrayaan-3
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What is the name of the new marine tardigrade species discovered off the southeast coast of Tamil Nadu?
A. Batillipes lunarensis
B. Batillipes chandrayaani
C. Batillipes indiana
D. Batillipes extremus
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What unique feature does the newly discovered marine tardigrade **Batillipes chandrayaani** have?
A. A circular body and two pairs of legs
B. A trapezoid-shaped head and sharp sensory spines
C. A square-shaped body and no sensory organs
D. A long, cylindrical body with wings
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What percentage of known tardigrade species are marine tardigrades?
A. 5%
B. 10%
C. 17%
D. 25%
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Why was the new marine tardigrade species named **Batillipes chandrayaani**?
A. In honor of India’s biodiversity research
B. In celebration of the **Chandrayaan-3** moon mission
C. To acknowledge the discovery of tardigrades in space
D. To mark the anniversary of India’s independence
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