Prosopis juliflora is a highly invasive species native to Mexico, South America, and the Caribbean. It was introduced to many parts of the world, including India, often for purposes like fuelwood, fodder, or soil stabilization in arid regions. However, it has become notorious for its invasive characteristics. - It grows rapidly, forms dense thickets, and outcompetes native vegetation for water, sunlight, and nutrients. - It alters soil properties and microhabitats. - This aggressive growth and competition lead to a significant reduction in native plant species diversity. - The reduced plant diversity impacts the fauna that depend on native plants for food and shelter, leading to a decline in overall biodiversity in areas it colonizes. Therefore, its tendency to reduce biodiversity is the primary ecological reason it is often mentioned in news, usually in a negative context regarding environmental management and conservation efforts.
Why is a plant called Prosopis juliflora often mentioned in news ?
Asked in UPSC IAS 2018 · Topic: Biodiversity (Threats to Biodiversity (Habitat Loss, Pollution, Climate Change, Invasive Species, Over-exploitation))
Show answer
Answer: B. It tends to reduce the biodiversity in the area in which it grows.
More Environment and Ecology questions
- 'Invasive Species Specialist Group' (that develops Global Invasive Species Database) belongs to which one of the following organizations?
- Which one of the following is the most important factor responsible for decline of bio-diversity?
- The main reason for the decrease in biodiversity is
- What is the primary environmental concern associated with Genetically Modified (GM) crops ?
- Which one of the following is not, a major cause of biodiversity loss?
- Which of the following statements about causes of biodiversity loss is/are correct ? 1. Habitat loss and fragmentation are the most important cause driving animals and plants to extinction. 2. Human activities lead to over-exploitation of natural resources. 3. When a species becomes extinct, the plant and animal species associated with it do not become extinct. Choose the correct answer using following options : (b) Only 1 (c) 1 and 2 both (d) Only 2
- Which of the following can be threats to the biodiversity of any geographical area? Consider the following statements: (A) Global warming (B) Fragmentation of natural habitat (C) Invasion by alien species (D) Promotion of vegetarianism Select the correct answer by using the codes given below.
- Silent Spring is a book which brought worldwide attention on destruction of wildlife through the widespread use of pesticides. Who among the following is the author of this book?