Indicator species plays pivotal role in identifying the threats occurring to the environment. Explain with relevant illustrations. (150 Words)
Refer - Business Line
Enrich the answer from other sources, if the question demands.
IAS Parliament 6 years
KEY POINTS
· Indicator species are plants and animals that, by their presence, abundance, or chemical composition, demonstrate some distinctive aspect of the character or quality of the environment.
· More recently, indicator species have begun being used as measures of habitat or ecosystem quality. For example, many species of lichens are very sensitive to toxic gases, such as sulfurdioxide and ozone.
· These organisms have been monitored in many places to study air pollution. Severe damage to lichens is especially common in cities with chronic air pollution and near large producers of toxic gases, such as metal smelters.
· A survey of urban beehives around Vancouver, showed that the hives' honey contained minute levels of lead. It suggests that honey can be a sensitive indicator of air quality, offers an inexpensive way to monitor.
· Almost certain indication that water quality has been degraded by sewage or other oxygen-consuming organic matter. In contrast with most of the animals that live in an unpolluted aquatic environment, tubificid worms can tolerate water almost totally lacking in oxygen.
G. Indhumathi Balamurugan 6 years
Please review and suggest if any improvement..
IAS Parliament 6 years
Stick to your word limit (150 Words). Lichens, honey bee
example is enough. Try to cut short the conclusion part. Keep Writing.
Sandeep 6 years
Kindly review thanks
IAS Parliament 6 years
Good
answer. Keep Writing.