New Wolf Spider Species Discovered in Sundarbans
In News
What Happened
Why It Matters
Background
History & Context
What Changed
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Genus distribution: BEFORE, the genus Piratula was known to be distributed across parts of Asia, Europe, and North America but absent from Indian records. NOW, the discovery on Sagar Island establishes the first official record of the genus Piratula in India.
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Species identification: BEFORE, this particular spider population on Sagar Island was completely undocumented. NOW, unique genital structures have allowed scientists to officially classify it as a novel species, Piratula acuminata.
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Ecological focus: BEFORE, much of the conservation attention in the Sundarbans was primarily directed at charismatic megafauna. NOW, the discovery underscores the importance of ground-dwelling micro-fauna and highlights the vulnerability of mudflat ecosystems to climate change.
Prelims Angle
NCERT Connection
Practice Questions
Q1
Correct Statement(s)Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding the newly discovered spider species Piratula acuminata? 1. It belongs to a family of web-building spiders predominantly found in the upper canopy of the Sundarbans mangrove forest. 2. Its discovery on Sagar Island marks the first recorded instance of the genus Piratula in India.