Question

Which of the following is a species of weeds that has invaded aquatic habitats and affected aquatic life and biodiversity?

• A. Lantana
• B. Parthenium
• C. Eicchornia
• D. Both a and b

Answer 1

The correct option is C Eicchornia

Deliberate or unintentional introduction of invasive alien species into a particular habitat is one of the major reasons behind the decline or extinction of indigenous species.

A classic example of this is the decline of aquatic biodiversity due to the introduction of water hyacinth or Eichhornia. Eichhornia was introduced to India as an ornamental plant because of its beautiful flowers and leaves. But it soon became a terror to the indigenous species of fishes and aquatic plants due to its rapid growth in the aquatic habitats.

Due to its rapid growth, thick mats of water hyacinth are rapidly formed over water bodies in a short period of time. This results in rapid depletion of dissolved oxygen which is crucial for the survival of aquatic life. This leads to the death of indigenous aquatic organisms and decline in aquatic biodiversity.

Lantana and Parthenium (carrot grass) are invasive weed species that inhabit terrestrial habitats.