DAILY NEWS ANALYSIS

GS-III : Biodiversity & Environment Biodiversity & Environment

06 January, 2023
5 Min Read

A new species of tiny Boa from Ecuador

A new species of tiny Boa from Ecuador

In honor of an Indigenous campaigner, researchers have named a new species of dwarf boa that they found in the Amazon of Ecuador.

About Dwarf Boa:

The snake, which belonged to the Tropidophiidae family, was up to 20 centimeters long when it was discovered in northern Ecuador's cloud forest.

Based on its outward characteristics and bone structure, Tropidophis cacuangoae can be distinguished from other reptiles of the same species.
Two confirmed specimens of the species were discovered by the scientists.
Similar to a boa constrictor, it is generally light brown in color with darker brown or black markings.
The species is thought to be indigenous to Ecuador and is found in the eastern tropical piedmont and lower evergreen montane forests of the Amazon tropical rainforest biome.
The species is unique in that it has a "vestigial pelvis," a trait shared by prehistoric snakes.
This may be proof that lizards that lost limbs over millions of years gave rise to snakes.
Background of naming: Dolores Cacuango, an early 20th-century pioneer in the fight for indigenous and farmers' rights in Ecuador, is honored by the snake's name.

Objectivity of the discovery:

T. Cacuangoae's discovery proves that small, elusive vertebrates can exist for protracted stretches of time without being seen and formally described by science.
This new species' discovery emphasizes the urgent need to speed up research in remote locations where knowledge gaps persist but which are suspected of harboring significant biodiversity and are gravely threatened by human activities.

Source: Down To Earth

Join Our Telegram

Voice clone-AI

Pradhan Mantri Suryodaya Yojana

06 Feb, 24
SHARE

Recently, Prime Minister announced Pradhan Mantri Suryodaya Yojana under which 1 crore households will get rooftop solar power systems. India’s Status of Current Solar Capacity India currently stands at 4th place globally in solar power capacity. As per Ministry of New an

Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA)- NGO

06 Feb, 24
SHARE

The Foreign Contribution Regulation Act, 2010 (FCRA) registration of two prominent non-governmental organisations (NGOs) — Centre for Policy Research (CPR) and World Vision India (WVI) have been cancelled this month. What is FCRA? Key provisions of FCRA, 2010 Key aspects Description

Voice clone-AI

06 Feb, 24
SHARE

Voice clone fraud has been on the rise in India. AI voice cloning – It is the process of creating a synthetic replica of a person’s voice through machine learning and speech synthesis technology.It is called as voice deepfakesor audio deepfakes. Objective – To achieve a high level of na

Science communication- how to promote

06 Feb, 24
SHARE

Steps taken by India to promote Science Communication Publications and Information Directorate (PID) - An organisation under Council of Science and Industrial Research (CSIR) established in 1951 for publishing and disseminating scientific information in India. National science magazines- The PI

Universal Basic Income (UBI)- Analysis

05 Feb, 24
SHARE

Universal Basic Income (UBI) can strengthen welfare architecture and unlock the nation’s latent demographic potential. UBI - It is an income support mechanism typically intended to reach all or a very large portion of the population regardless of their earnings or employment status. Objective- To provide enough to co

Quick Links Testimonials FAQ

Crash Course

Regular Modules 2024

Mains

Optional

A new species of tiny Boa from Ecuador

Pradhan Mantri Suryodaya Yojana

Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA)- NGO

Voice clone-AI

Science communication- how to promote

Universal Basic Income (UBI)- Analysis

DNA

06 Feb,2024

GS-III

PT Pickups

Toppers

Search By Date

Top Editorials

UPSC Courses

Saarthi Mentorship Programme

Important Tags

Articles:Geography And Environment

Articles: History Culture Society

Articles: Governance & National Issues

Articles: IR & IO

Articles: Economic Development & Economic Issues

Articles: S&T Internal Security

Articles: Ethics & Others

Articles: Others

Newsletter Subscription

SMS Alerts

Important Links