Discovery of the new plant species

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are well known for their biodiversity. So, the region has been the centre for many scientific studies. Recently, Indian scientists have discovered a new plant species there.

What is the meaning of biodiversity?

Biodiversity means (a place) having many different kinds of animals and plants. Together, they make a good and healthy environment.

In 2019, scientists found a type of green algae (a small water plant) in the Andaman Islands. They studied it carefully and compared it to other plants found there. After two years, they have announced that it is a new species of algae. This is also the first new type of algae discovered there in 40 years.

Scientists from the Central University of Punjab have closely studied the new discovery. They have found that the plant is made up of one gigantic cell. Moreover, the plants have caps with beautiful designs as if they are the umbrellas of mermaids. So, the scientists named the new plant Acetabularia Jalakanyaka.

What is the meaning of the plant’s name?

Jalkanyaka is a Sanskrit word that means “Mermaid” or “Goddess of Oceans”. The name of the new plant has been inspired by the fairytale, The Little Mermaid. Hans Christian Anderson is the writer of this famous fairytale.

 

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