Researchers bar coding sharks and rays have found how many new species in Indian waters on March 19, 2016?

a. 12

b. 13

c. 14

d. 15

ANSWER: 13

Explanation:

DNA bar coding of chimeras, sharks, rays and skates was being conducted in Indian waters by leading research institutes such as Central Marine Fishers Research Institute, Kochi. The scientists were documenting identification of chondrichthyans which are the target of fisherman and are close to over exploitation. India has 46471 tonnes of chondrichthyan fishing and despite the rich history of elasmobranch fishery, few studies have been carried out. Researchers found as many as 13 new species of sharks and rays. Peninsular and Marine Fish Genetic Resources Centre and National Research Collections Australia, Hobart, Tasmania partnered the research project. At the point of analysis, 528 specimens of 111 of these species and 34 families collected from the Indian EEZ were var coded. 5 species of sharks and 2 manta ray species have been included in the appendix of Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora for monitoring its international trade.