Context:
Scientists from the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) recently discovered a new species named Squalus Hima
Squalus Hima:
- A new species of dogfish shark
- Discovered from – Southwest coast of India.
- Commonly known as – Spurdogs
- Characterized by –
- Smooth dorsal fin spines.
- An angular short snout, a small mouth almost as wide as the snout
- Issue – Exploited for liver oil, which contains high levels of squalene
- Used in – Pharmaceutical industry, for making high-end cosmetic and anti-cancerous products.
Zoological Survey of India (ZSI):
- A subordinate organization of the MoEFCC
- Established in 1916 and traces its origin to Zoological Section of the Indian Museum at Calcutta in 1875.
- It undertakes exploring, naming, describing, classifying and documenting animals from all over India.
- Headquarters – Kolkata
Source: The Indian Express
Previous Year Question
Other than poaching, what are the possible reasons for the decline in the population of Ganges River Dolphins?
1. Construction of dams and barrages on rivers
2. Increase in the population of crocodiles in rivers
3. Getting trapped in fishing nets accidentally
4. Use of synthetic fertilisers and other agricultural chemicals in crop-fields in the vicinity of rivers
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2014 Prelims]
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1, 3 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Answer: (c)
