Discovery of Certain Species in Antartica

LOK SABHA

Some species of lower plant forms, not native to Antarctica, have been found. For example, a species of European grass (Agrostis stolonifera), a carnivorous beetle species, Poa annua (as seed plant) and Australian pollen taxa have been reported as alien species in Antarctica.

A total of 439 species of lichens, 111 species of mosses, 4 species of mites, 7 species of tardigrads have so far been reported from Antarctic region. However, due to phenotypic plasticity in different species, it is difficult to trace the actual centre of origin of Antarctic species. It may be possible with genomic sequencing of these species in future.

The data and research undertaken by different countries on alien species are shared under the aegis of SCAR (Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research). According to published reports and data available, many of these alien species have been responsible for significantly decreasing biodiversity at invaded sites and indirectly causing a change in adult body size in populations of its major prey species. Antarctica’s harsh climate and ice cover protect against alien colonization, but on milder sub Antarctic islands like Marion Island and South Georgia Island which are getting warmer in recent decades are increasingly favorable sites for alien species to colonize and spread.

This information was given by Union Minister for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, Shri Kapil Sibal, in the Lok Sabha today.

Source: Press Inormation Bureau
Date: March 04, 2008