The plant Prosopis juliflora is frequently mentioned in the news because of which one of the following reasons?

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Accepted Answer

B. It is an invasive alien species that tends to reduce native biodiversity wherever it spreads. Prosopis juliflora, introduced to India from the Americas, is an invasive alien species that spreads aggressively, outcompeting native vegetation and tending to reduce biodiversity in the areas it colonises, which is why it recurs in news coverage on ecological degradation. It is not a genetically modified crop, a newly discovered medicinal plant, or a native keystone species, ruling out the other options. Hence option B correctly identifies why it is discussed.

Answer

A. It is a genetically modified crop developed for cultivation in arid regions

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B. It is an invasive alien species that tends to reduce native biodiversity wherever it spreads

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C. It is a newly discovered medicinal plant used to treat drug-resistant infections

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D. It is a keystone native species crucial to India's dryland ecosystems