Context:
Recently, ‘Utricularia’ has been found in Rajasthan’s Keoladeo National Park in large numbers.
Utricularia:
- Also known as – Bladderwort
- A genus of carnivorous plants
- Most diverse and widespread genus of carnivorous plants.
- Habitat – Temperate and tropical regions throughout the world
- Characterized by small hollow sacs that actively capture and digest tiny animals such as insect larvae, aquatic worms, and water fleas.
- Lack roots and usually have a horizontal floating stem bearing simple or divided leaves.
- Small carnivorous bladders are produced along the stem that ranges from dark to transparent in colour.
- Found in lakes, streams, and waterlogged soils
- Several are Invasive Species that have spread to novel habitats.
Source: ETV Bharat
Previous Year Question
Why is a plant called Prosopis juliflora often mentioned in the news?
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2018 Prelims]
(a) Its extract is widely used in cosmetics.
(b) It tends to reduce the biodiversity in the area in which it grows.
(c) Its extract is used in the synthesis of pesticides.
(d) None of the above
Answer: (b)