MELANOCHLAMYS DROUPADI
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Picture Courtesy: https://bnnbreaking.com/world/india/new-head-shield-sea-slug-species-melanochlamys-droupadi-discovered-in-india-named-after-president-murmu
Context: The Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) named a newly discovered marine species as "Melanochlamys droupadi".
About Melanochlamys droupadi
- The Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) has named a newly discovered sea slug species, Melanochlamys droupadi, after the President of India, Droupadi Murmu. This head-shield sea slug, distinguished by its ruby red spot, was found off the coasts of Digha (West Bengal) and Udaipur (Odisha).
- The species belongs to the Melanochlamys genus, which is characterized by a short, blunt, and cylindrical body.
Unique Features
- The sea slug is described as a small invertebrate, with a maximum length of up to 7 mm.
- It has a brownish-black colouration with a distinctive ruby-red spot located at the hind end.
- The species is hermaphroditic, meaning individuals possess both male and female reproductive organs.
- The sea slug is known for crawling on the intertidal zone, leaving crawl marks on sandy beaches.
Habitat and Behavior
- The sea slug typically inhabits the intertidal zone.
- It is known to crawl beneath smooth sand, creating a moving capsule where the body is rarely visible.
- The behaviour of continuously secreting mucus serves as a protective mechanism against sand entry.
Distribution
- While species of the Melanochlamys genus are generally distributed in temperate regions of the Indo-Pacific Oceanic realm, Melanochlamys droupadi is considered a tropical species.
- Three species of this group are identified as truly tropical, including Melanochlamys bengalensis from the West Bengal and Odisha coast.
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Sea Slugs |
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Feature |
Description |
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Type |
Marine Invertebrates |
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Class |
Gastropods (same class as snails) |
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Shell |
Some have internal or reduced shells, others lack them entirely. |
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Body |
Soft, unsegmented, and muscular. Can be various shapes and sizes. |
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Colour |
Incredibly diverse! They can be brightly coloured, patterned, translucent, or dull. |
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Diet |
Varies greatly depending on the species. Some are herbivores, some carnivores, and some even steal stinging cells from prey to use for defence. |
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Habitat |
Found in all oceans, from shallow tidal pools to deep ocean trenches. |
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Movement |
Glide on a muscular foot and may use fleshy protrusions for swimming or steering. |
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Defence Mechanisms |
Some rely on camouflage, some produce toxins, and some steal stinging cells from their prey. |
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Reproduction |
Most are hermaphrodites with both male and female reproductive organs. |
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Importance |
Play a vital role in marine ecosystems by controlling prey populations and contributing to biodiversity. |
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Interesting Fact |
Some sea slugs, called nudibranchs, have colourful appendages called cerata that can contain stolen stinging cells from their prey! |
Conclusion
- The discovery and naming of Melanochlamys droupadi contribute to the understanding of marine biodiversity, and the species is now officially recognized as part of India's rich coastal fauna.
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PRACTICE QUESTION Q. What type of marine creature is Melanochlamys Droupadi? A) Jellyfish B) Sea Turtle C) Sea Slug D) Starfish Answer: C Explanation: Melanochlamys droupadi is a newly discovered species of sea slug. Sea slugs are marine invertebrates known for their soft bodies and a wide variety of shapes and colours. |
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