Latest news with #Pheronousjairajpurii
Indian Express
7 days ago
- Science
- Indian Express
Indian scientists discover rare marine worm on Tamil Nadu coast
Written by Debasmita Chowdhury Researchers from the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI), led by Dr Anjum Rizvi and researcher Ms Ritika Datta, have identified a new species of marine nematode along the Tamil Nadu coast. This marks only the third globally recorded species of the rare genus Pheronous. The microscopic worm, christened Pheronous jairajpurii, was discovered during field studies on a Tamil Nadu beach. Free-living marine nematodes, according to marine biologists, play crucial roles in maintaining ocean ecosystem health and act as biological indicators for coastal environmental assessment. Until now, the genus Pheronous included only two documented species—one discovered in South Africa in 1966, and another in China in 2015, which was later also reported in Korean waters in 2023. The latest discovery means the Pheronous species spans at least three continents. The newly identified species has been named in honor of the late Professor M S Jairajpurii, a pioneering Indian nematologist who significantly advanced nematode research in India. 'The discovery of Pheronous jairajpurii is a testament to the incredible and often hidden biodiversity along India's vast coastline,' said Dr Dhriti Banerjee, Director of the ZSI. The identification not only expands the known distribution of the Pheronous genus but also highlights the rich biodiversity of Indian coastal waters. Marine scientists emphasize that such discoveries stress the need for systematic exploration and cataloguing of marine life, particularly microscopic organisms that often go undocumented despite their ecological significance. Microscopic analysis revealed distinct morphological traits that set P jairajpurii apart from its South African and Chinese counterparts. Detailed anatomical studies showed unique structural features, including specialised head formations and body segmentation patterns observable under high magnification. The sparse yet widespread pattern of this genus suggests it may have ancient evolutionary origins, with isolated populations emerging across ocean basins over geological timescales. (Debasmita Chowdhury is an intern with The Indian Express)
Time of India
23-05-2025
- Science
- Time of India
ZSI scientists discover rare marine nematode species on Tamil Nadu beach
A team from the Kolkata-headquartered Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) has made a scientific breakthrough with the discovery of a new species of free-living marine nematode—tiny worm-like organisms vital to ocean health—on a sandy beach in Tamil Nadu. Led by senior scientist Anjum Rizvi and her researcher Ritika Datta, the team identified the new species as Pheronous jairajpurii Datta & Rizvi, 2025. This rare find marks only the third known species in the Pheronous genus, previously documented only in South Africa (1966) and China (2015), the latter also reported in Korea in 2023. 'This discovery significantly expands the known global distribution of this rare group and highlights the rich and often overlooked biodiversity along India's coastline,' said Dhriti Banerjee, director, ZSI. 'Each new species we uncover brings us closer to understanding our marine ecosystems and strengthens the case for their protection.' Free-living marine nematodes like Pheronous jairajpurii play a crucial role in maintaining the health of marine ecosystems. They are considered bioindicators, helping scientists assess the condition of coastal environments. The species has been named in honour of the late Professor M.S. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo Jairajpuri, a pioneering Indian nematologist renowned for his foundational contributions to the study of nematodes in India. ZSI scientists emphasize that such discoveries underscore the urgency of continued marine biodiversity research. 'This finding is a testament to the incredible and often hidden life thriving in our oceans,' Dr. Banerjee noted. With India's extensive and ecologically diverse coastline, experts believe that many more species remain to be discovered, each offering new insights into the delicate balance of marine life.
