Question

Which among the following is/are invasive alien species in India?
1. Carrot grass
2. Lantana
3. Water hyacinth

• A. Only 1
• B. 1 and 3
• C. 1, 2 and 3
• D. Only 2

Answer 1

The correct option is C 1, 2 and 3

Biodiversity refers to the huge variety and variability of life forms on the earth. But unfortunately, this biological wealth is declining rapidly.

Biodiversity loss is primarily an outcome of human activities such as hunting, habitat destruction, over-exploitation, introduction of alien species which become invasive, etc.

A species is said to be invasive if it adapts to an area and reproduces rapidly, consuming the majority of the resources. This may directly affect the population of already existing native or indigenous species by limiting the availability of resources.

If an alien (non-native) species is introduced intentionally or unintentionally in a habitat, some species turn invasive and dangerous for the species of that habitat. Hence, it becomes a cause for the extinction of the native species and they are called invasive alien species.

Parthenium (carrot grass), Eichhornia (water hyacinth) and Lantana are alien species which have become threat to the native species of India.