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 ✓ UPSC's answer
- (b) Anaimalai Forests
- (c) Maikala Hills
- (d) Tropical rain forests of northeast
Why the answer is (a)
• In 2015 Botanical Survey of India scientists described Musa indandamanensis, a new wild banana species about 11 m tall with orange-pulped fruit, from the Little Andaman island of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands — option (a).
• Its genetic traits may be useful for breeding disease-resistant, nutrient-rich bananas.
• Hence option (a).
Why the other options are wrong
- (b) Anaimalai Forests
- The species was not found in the Anaimalai forests.
- (c) Maikala Hills
- It was not found in the Maikala hills.
- (d) Tropical rain forests of northeast
- It was found in the Andamans, not the north-east.
Asked in the GS Paper I of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2016, held on 7 August 2016. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.