Context:
Scientists have identified a species of desert moss called ‘Syntrichia caninervis’ that could significantly impact future space exploration and colonization efforts.
Relevance:
Facts for Prelims
About Syntrichia caninervis
- Overview:
- Syntrichia caninervis is among the most abundant desert moss species globally, known for its resilience to extreme environmental conditions.
- Environmental Tolerance:
- Desiccation Tolerance: Capable of recovering within seconds after losing more than 98% of its water content.
- Freezing Tolerance: Exhibits extraordinary resilience, surviving temperatures as low as -196°C.
- Radiation Resistance: Shows high resistance to gamma radiation, with a half-lethal dose estimated at 5,000 Gy.
- Distribution:
- Global Spread: Found across diverse regions globally.
- Dryland Regions: Predominantly inhabits dryland areas such as the Gurbantunggut and Tengger Deserts in China, Mojave Desert in the United States.
- Mountainous Areas: Also found in mountainous regions including the Pamir, Tibet, Middle East, Antarctica, and circumpolar regions.
- Unique Adaptation:
- Water Collection Mechanism: Uses tiny hairs (awns) at the end of each leaf to collect water, supplementing water gathered by the leaves themselves.
-Source: The Hindu
