African Baobab
21.10.2024
African Baobab
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For Prelims: About African Baobab, Ecological significance |
Why in the news?
New research by South African ecologists has refuted the claim that the African Baobab (Adansonia digitata) tree is dying due to climate change.
About African Baobab:
- These are long-lived deciduous, small to large trees from 20 to 100 ft tall with broad trunks and compact tops.
- These trees can live to become thousands of years old. The oldest baobab tree on record was the Panke baobab in Zimbabwe, which lived to be a venerable 2450 years old
- Distribution: These solitary trees are also incredibly resilient, thriving in dry, open areas such as the savannas of southern Africa and western Madagascar.
Ecological significance:
- Baobab trees are fundamental to the entire dry African savanna ecosystem. They help keep soil conditions humid, aid nutrient recycling, and slow soil erosion with their massive root systems.
- It absorbs and stores water from the rainy season in its massive trunk, producing a nutrient-dense fruit in the dry season, which can grow up to a foot long.
- The fruit contains tartaric acid and Vitamin C, serving as a vital nutrient and food source for many species.
- These baobabs play a vital role in their ecosystem; mitigate impacts of climate change, providing food and shelter to animals and humans.
- Its fruit is recognised as having high fiber content, acting as a natural prebiotic that promotes the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut.
Source: Down to earth
Consider the following statements regarding African Baobab:
Statement-I:It keeps soil conditions humid and slows soil erosion through its massive root system.
Statement-II:It is a long-lived deciduous tree mainly found in the equatorial regions of Africa countries.
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
A.Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I.
B.Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I.
C.Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect.
D.Statement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct.
Answer C