Consider the following statements regarding Gambusia fish: It is used ...
Statement 1: Gambusia fish is used as a biological agent for controlling mosquito larvae.
Statement 2: Gambusia fish is native to the Indian Ocean.
The correct answer is option 'A' - 1 only.
Explanation:
Gambusia fish, also known as mosquitofish, is indeed used as a biological control agent for controlling mosquito larvae. Here is a detailed explanation of each statement:
1. Gambusia fish is used as a biological agent for controlling mosquito larvae:
Gambusia fish is a small freshwater fish that feeds on mosquito larvae. It is widely used as a biological control agent in the control of mosquitoes, especially in stagnant water bodies such as ponds, lakes, and ditches. The fish can consume large numbers of mosquito larvae, thus reducing their population and controlling mosquito breeding. This method is considered an effective and environmentally friendly approach to mosquito control.
2. Gambusia fish is native to the Indian Ocean:
This statement is incorrect. Gambusia fish is not native to the Indian Ocean. The Gambusia genus is native to the Americas, specifically to North, Central, and South America. They are commonly found in freshwater habitats such as rivers, streams, and ponds in these regions. They have been introduced to various parts of the world, including Asia, Europe, and Africa, for mosquito control purposes. However, they are not native to the Indian Ocean region.
In conclusion, Gambusia fish is indeed used as a biological agent for controlling mosquito larvae, but it is not native to the Indian Ocean. Therefore, the correct answer is option 'A' - 1 only.
Consider the following statements regarding Gambusia fish: It is used ...
Recently, various government and non-governmental organisations in Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and Punjab have released Gambusia fish into local water bodies to address a mosquito menace.
- It is known as mosquito fish, is widely used as a biological agent for controlling mosquito larvae.
- It is native to the waters of the south-eastern United States.
- It has been a part of mosquito-control strategies for over a century in various parts of the world, including India.
- A single full-grown fish eats about 100 to 300 mosquito larvae per day.
- Also, it has been part of various malaria control strategies in India since 1928, including the Urban Malaria Scheme.
- The International Union for Conservation of Nature declare Gambusia one of the 100 worst invasive alien species in the world.
Key points about Malaria
- It is a disease caused by the Plasmodium parasite.
- The parasite can be spread to humans through the bites of infected mosquitoes.
- Transmission
- The plasmodium parasite is spread by female Anopheles mosquitoes, which are known as "night-biting" mosquitoes because they most commonly bite between dusk and dawn.
Hence only statement 1 is correct.
To make sure you are not studying endlessly, EduRev has designed UPSC study material, with Structured Courses, Videos, & Test Series. Plus get personalized analysis, doubt solving and improvement plans to achieve a great score in UPSC.