Which of the following exotic species has become men- ace to many water bodies in India?

Options

A. Lantana camara
B. Eicchornia crassipes
C. Parthenium hysterophorus
D. Eupatorium odoratum

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding Exotic Species**: Exotic species, also known as alien species, are organisms that are introduced to a new environment where they are not native. These species can sometimes become invasive, meaning they spread rapidly and can cause harm to the new ecosystem.

2. **Identifying the Options**: The question provides four options:
- A) Lantana Camara
- B) Echinia Chrysippus
- C) Parthenium Hysterophorus
- D) Eupatorium Odoratum

3. **Researching Each Species**:
- **Lantana Camara**: This is an invasive shrub that can affect biodiversity but is not primarily aquatic.
- **Echinia Chrysippus**: This is a butterfly species, not an aquatic plant.
- **Parthenium Hysterophorus**: This is a weed that affects agriculture but is not aquatic.
- **Eupatorium Odoratum**: This is a flowering plant that can be invasive but is not specifically known as a menace to water bodies.

4. **Identifying the Correct Answer**: The species that has become a significant menace to many water bodies in India is **Eichhornia crassipes**, commonly known as water hyacinth. It is notorious for its rapid growth in freshwater bodies, leading to oxygen depletion and harming aquatic life.

5. **Understanding the Impact**: Water hyacinth can thrive in various conditions, including polluted waters. Its rapid growth can block sunlight and reduce oxygen levels, which can lead to the death of fish and other aquatic organisms. This is why it is often referred to as the "terror of Bengal."

6. **Conclusion**: The correct answer to the question is **Eichhornia crassipes** (water hyacinth), which has become a significant threat to many water bodies in India.

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