Context:
Researchers investigating Sea Anemones (Actiniaria) in the Lakshadweep group of islands have documented a significant bleaching event among the anemones off Agatti island. This marks the first observed instance of sea anemone bleaching in the Lakshadweep islands.
Relevance:
Facts for Prelims
Understanding Sea Anemone Bleaching:
Definition:
- Sea anemone bleaching refers to the phenomenon where these organisms lose their vibrant colors, turning white or pale due to the expulsion of symbiotic photosynthetic algae.
Causes:
- Environmental stressors such as increased water temperatures, pollution, or alterations in ocean chemistry can trigger bleaching events.
Consequences:
- Bleaching deprives sea anemones of their primary energy source, heightening susceptibility to diseases and elevating mortality rates.
Characteristics and Ecological Significance of Sea Anemones:
Physical Traits:
- Aquatic animals characterized by soft bodies and the ability to sting.
Taxonomy and Habitat:
- Belonging to the Cnidaria phylum, sea anemones inhabit ocean waters, especially in coastal tropical regions.
Ecological Relationships:
- Form close associations with corals and live rocks, often forming symbiotic bonds with clownfish wherein they provide protection in exchange for food.
Ecological Role:
- Vital contributors to benthic ecosystems, playing crucial biogeochemical roles in the lowest ecological zone of water bodies, typically involving sediments at the seafloor.
Geographical Information:
Location:
- Agatti Island is situated approximately 459 km (248 nautical miles) west of Kochi (Kerala) and is positioned to the west of Kavaratti Island.
-Source: The Hindu
