Indian scientists discover new plant species in Antarctica

9 Jul 2021

Indian scientists discover new plant species in Antarctica

Indian scientists discover new plant species in AntarcticaIndian scientists from the Central University of Punjab have discovered a new plant species, a type of moss, in Antarctica. Moss is a small soft green plant, with no flowers, that grows in wet places, especially on rocks or trees.

The scientists had actually discovered the plant during an expedition (scientific trip) in 2017. But it took them 5 years to find that it is a new type of moss.

They have named it Bryum bharatiensis, after Bharati, one of India's research stations in Antarctica. The scientists found the moss nearby. Bharati is also the Hindu goddess of learning.

India currently has two stations in Antarctica - Maitri and Bharati. But, this is the first time that India has discovered a plant species in Antarctica.
What are the details of the discovery?
Scientists found that this moss mainly grew in areas where penguins lived in large numbers. Penguin poop has nitrogen, which plants need.

Moreover, Antarctica doesn't get sunlight during winter, without which plants cannot survive. So, the scientists found that the moss likely becomes almost like a seed and "sleeps" during winter. Then, when summer comes, they begin to grow.

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Indian scientists from the Central University of Punjab have discovered a new plant species, a type of moss, in Antarctica. Moss is a small soft […]

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