Why is a plant called Prosopis juliflora often mentioned in news?

Q: What is UPSC Prelims?

UPSC Prelims is a competitive examination conducted in India. This question is from the 2018 UPSC Prelims Environment & Ecology paper.

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This UPSC Prelims 2018 Environment & Ecology question has a easy difficulty level and is marked as an important question.

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Question

Why is a plant called Prosopis juliflora often mentioned in news?

Accepted Answer

Correct Answer: B — It tends to reduce the biodiversity in the area in which it growsStep-by-step Solution:Prosopis juliflora (commonly known as mesquite, vilayati babool, or ganda baval) is an invasive exotic plant species native to South and Central America. It was introduced to India during the colonial period primarily to provide fuelwood for rural communities and to restore degraded wastelands. However, it has become one of India's most problematic invasive species for the following reasons:Reduces biodiversity: Prosopis juliflora is highly aggressive — it spreads rapidly through its seeds (dispersed by cattle and birds), outcompetes native vegetation for water and nutrients, and forms dense monoculture thickets that prevent native plant species from establishing. This drastically reduces local plant diversity and consequently reduces habitat quality for native insects, birds, and other wildlife. It has invaded grasslands, forest edges, wetland margins, and agricultural wastelands — threatening native ecosystems across peninsular and northwest India.Additionally, it has allelopathic properties (releases chemicals that inhibit growth of neighbouring plants), further suppressing native vegetation. Recent studies have shown it also negatively affects nesting success of native birds.Why other options are incorrect:Option A (Extract used in cosmetics): Prosopis juliflora is not known for cosmetic applications. Some of its wood products are used for charcoal and construction, and the pods can be used as animal fodder — but cosmetics is not a documented use.Option C (Extract used in pesticide synthesis): While some research has explored its phytochemical properties, this is not the primary reason it features in news. Its invasive biodiversity threat is the dominant news context.Option D (None of these): Option B is correct.Key Concept: Invasive alien species (IAS) in India — major threats to biodiversity: Prosopis juliflora (mesquite) — drylands, grasslands; Lantana camara — forest undergrowth across India; Parthenium hysterophorus (Congress grass) — agricultural weeds, allergenic; Eichhornia crassipes (water hyacinth) — water bodies; Mikania micrantha (mile-a-minute weed) — forest edges in Northeast India. Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) identifies IAS as one of the top five drivers of global biodiversity loss. India's National Biodiversity Authority addresses IAS management.

Why is a plant called Prosopis juliflora often mentioned in news?

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Why is a plant called Prosopis juliflora often mentioned in news?

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