Sheathia rose malayensis

24.03.2025

Sheathia rose malayensis

Why in the news?                        

           In a recent discovery, researchers recently identified a new species of freshwater algae named ‘Sheathia rose malayensis’, in Rosemala, located in Kollam district, Kerala.

About Sheathia rosemalayensis:

• It is a new species of freshwater algae.
• It was discovered in Rosemala, located in the western ghats of Kerala, and has been named after the place where it was found.
• This discovery is crucial because Sheathia species are extremely rare in India. Before this, only one other species was reported from the Himalayas.
• Sheathia rosemalayensis has so far been documented only in the southern Western Ghats, a geographically distinct region.
• In contrast, other species within the Sheathia genus, such as assamica, S. indonepalensis, and S. dispersa, have broader distributions spanning Assam, Nepal, Indonesia, Taiwan and even the Hawaiian Archipelago.

What are Algae?

• Algae are a diverse group of aquatic organisms that can conduct photosynthesis.
• They can be unicellular (single-celled) or multicellular, ranging from microscopic phytoplankton to large seaweeds like kelp.
• They have no true Roots, Stems, or Leaves. Unlike plants, algae lack vascular tissues.
• Certain algae are familiar to most people; for instance, seaweeds (such as kelp or phytoplankton), pond scum, or the algal blooms in lakes.
• However, there exists a vast and varied world of algae that are not only helpful to us, but are critical to our existence.

                                                           Source: The New Indian Express

Which among the following best describes ‘Sheathia rose malayensis’, recently seen in the news?

A. A deep-sea coral species.

B.A new species of freshwater algae.

C.A type of medicinal herb.

D.A rare species of orchid.

Answer B