UPSC Prelims 2016 Q45: Environment & Ecology – Biodiversity & Conservation
Recently, our scientists have discovered a new and distinct species of banana plant which
attains a height of about 11 metres and has orange - coloured fruit pulp. In which part of India has
it been discovered?
- (a) Andaman Islands
- (b) Anaimalai Forests
- (c) Maikal Hills
- (d) Tropical rain forests of northeast
Answer: (a) Andaman Islands
Explanation
New species of banana plant
Scientists of the Botanical Survey of India found a new wild banana, Musa indandamanensis.
It grows in the tropical rain forest of Little Andaman, near Krishna Nalah.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Height | About 11 metres, far taller than common bananas |
| Fruit pulp | Orange-coloured |
| Fruit bunch | Very long, about one metre |
| Use | Eaten by local tribes; useful for breeding better varieties |
The options checked:
| Option | Verdict |
|---|---|
| (a) Andaman Islands | Correct |
| (b) Anaimalai Forests | Incorrect; in the Western Ghats |
| (c) Maikal Hills | Incorrect; in central India |
| (d) Tropical rain forests of northeast | Incorrect; rich in wild bananas, but not this species |
Answer: (a) Andaman Islands.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) CORRECT. The new banana species was discovered in the Andaman Islands.
- (b) Incorrect. The Anaimalai Forests are in the Western Ghats, not where it was found.
- (c) Incorrect. The Maikal Hills of central India have no such discovery.
- (d) Incorrect. The northeast has many wild bananas, but this species is from Little Andaman.
Key point
Musa indandamanensis: wild banana from Little Andaman; about 11 metres tall; orange-coloured fruit pulp; found by the Botanical Survey of India.
Remember
Tall orange-pulp banana = Little Andaman.
Common mistakes
- Choosing the northeast because it is a centre of wild banana diversity.
- Not using the clue in the species name: indandamanensis.
- Confusing the Andaman group with the Nicobar group.
Exam tip
New species questions often turn on islands, where isolation produces distinct plants.
Sources
- Botanical Survey of India — Musa indandamanensis, a new species from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands
- Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change — Plant Discoveries 2015