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New Species of Plants and Animals Discovered

Scientists Discover New Species in Angola’s Lisima Plateau

Why in the news?

Wildlife experts under the Wilderness Project discovered several new insect and spider species during an expedition to the Lisima Plateau in Angola.

Newly Identified Species

  • 8 new dragonfly species.
  • 3 new grasshopper species.
  • Around:
    • 60 new butterflies and moths.

Other Notable Discoveries

  • Armoured predatory cricket.
  • New copper caterpillar species and butterfly.
  • Fluorescent crowned crab spider.
  • Blood-orange ladybird orb-web spider.

Fluorescent Crowned Crab Spider

  • Special Feature: Fluoresces under ultraviolet (UV) light.
  • Fluorescence may help:
    • Communication
    • Camouflage
    • Predator avoidance.

Ladybird Orb-Web Spider

  • Feature: Mimics ladybirds using bright coloration.
  • Purpose: Warns predators about:
    • Toxicity
    • Bitter taste.
  • Example of: Mimicry in nature.

About Lisima Plateau

  • Remote plateau region in: Angola.

Hydrological Importance

  • Feeds four major African river systems:
    • Congo River
    • Okavango River
    • Zambezi River
    • Cuanza River.

Global Biodiversity Context

  • Around 8.7 million species exist globally.
  • Only about: 1.5 million species are documented.
  • Extinction Concern: More than 800 animal species extinct since 1500 due to human activities.

[2023] Consider the following statements:
1.Some mushrooms have medicinal properties.
2.Some mushrooms have psycho- active properties.
3.Some mushrooms have insecticidal properties.
4.Some mushrooms have bioluminescent properties.
How many of the above statements are correct?

[A] Only one

[B] Only two

[C] Only three

[D] All four


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