Question 49 from UPSC CSE 2016 - Current
Affairs

Question

Recently, 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

Maikala Hills

D

Tropical rain forests of northeast

IASCODEX · Accepted Answer

Correct Option: A. Andaman Islands

Strategy: Identify the unique characteristics of the discovery (11-meter banana plant, orange pulp) and link them to a specific recent scientific event in India. Use these details to pinpoint the location, the Andaman Islands.

Key Info: ## Discovery of Musa paramjitiana

A new species of banana plant, Musa paramjitiana, was discovered in 2016 by scientists from the Botanical Survey of India (BSI) in the Little Andaman Island. This distinct species is notable for its impressive height, growing up to approximately 11 metres, significantly taller than common banana varieties (3-4 metres). Its fruit is characterized by an orange-coloured pulp and numerous large seeds.

## Andaman Islands

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are a union territory of India, located in the Bay of Bengal. They are renowned for their unique biodiversity, housing numerous endemic species of flora and fauna, making them a significant hotbed for new discoveries in botany and zoology.

## Botanical Survey of India (BSI)

Established in 1890, the BSI is the apex taxonomic research organization under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India. It is responsible for surveying, exploring, identifying, and documenting the plant diversity of India.

IASCODEX · Answer

Option B: Anaimalai Forests

IASCODEX · Answer

Option C: Maikala Hills

IASCODEX · Answer

Option D: Tropical rain forests of northeast