Consider the following statements regarding Sea Cucumber: It is a bent...
Recently, officials from the Indian Coast Guard and the customs department arrested four men who were allegedly in possession of sea cucumber and raw turmeric.
- This species is a part of a larger animal group called echinoderms and are invertebrates that live on the seafloor.
- Their body shape is similar to a cucumber, but they have small tentacle-like tube feet that are used for locomotion and feeding.
- There are about 1,250 species of sea cucumber, all of which belong to the taxonomic class Holothuroidea.
- Habitat:
- They are found in all marine environments throughout the world, from shallow to deep-sea environments.
- These are benthic, meaning they live on the ocean floor.
- They excrete inorganic nitrogen and phosphorus, enhancing the productivity of benthic biota.
- Reproduction:
- They exhibit sexual and asexual reproduction.
- Unlike most terrestrial animals, sea cucumber eggs undergo external fertilization—females release eggs into the water that are fertilized when they come into contact with sperm that males have released.
- Conservation status
- CITES: Appendix II
- Wildlife Protection Act of 1972: Schedule I
Hence both statements are correct.
Consider the following statements regarding Sea Cucumber: It is a bent...
Sea cucumber is a benthic species found in all marine environments throughout the world. It is also placed under Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) list. Let's understand each statement in detail:
1. Sea cucumber is a benthic species found in all marine environments throughout the world:
- Sea cucumbers are echinoderms, belonging to the class Holothuroidea. They are found in oceans across the globe, from shallow coastal areas to deep-sea trenches.
- They inhabit a wide range of marine environments, including coral reefs, seagrass beds, rocky shores, and sandy or muddy seabeds.
- Sea cucumbers play a vital role in marine ecosystems as they are detritivores, feeding on organic matter and helping to recycle nutrients.
2. It is placed under Appendix II of the CITES list:
- The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) is an international agreement between governments.
- Its aim is to ensure that international trade in wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival.
- CITES has categorized species into three appendices based on their conservation status and the level of protection they require.
- Sea cucumbers are listed under Appendix II, which includes species that are not necessarily threatened with extinction but may become so if their trade is not regulated.
- The listing of sea cucumbers under Appendix II means that their international trade is monitored and controlled to prevent overexploitation and unsustainable harvesting.
In conclusion, both statements are correct. Sea cucumber is a benthic species found in all marine environments throughout the world, and it is placed under Appendix II of the CITES list to regulate its international trade and ensure its conservation.
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