Relevance: GS III (Environment & Biodiversity) | Source: The Hindu 

1. What is the News?

• Scientists have discovered a very rare freshwater crab (named Vela carli) in Kerala’s Silent Valley National Park.
• Unlike regular crabs that live in water or sand, these unique crabs were found living inside the holes of trees.

2. What makes this Crab Special?

• The Condition: These specific crabs show a highly rare biological condition called Gynandromorphy.
• What does it mean? Simply put, the crab’s body is physically split. One part of its body has male features (like male claws), while the other part has distinct female features.
• Why it matters: This is the very first time this “dual-sex” condition has been recorded in this specific family of crabs.

3. The Western Ghats Link

• This crab is an endemic species. This means it is found exclusively in the forests of the Western Ghats and absolutely nowhere else on Earth.
• Discoveries like this remind us how many hidden wonders still exist in our forests and why we need to protect them.

The “UPSC Trap”

• The “Earthworm” Trap: UPSC might try to confuse you by calling this crab a “hermaphrodite.” They are different! * A hermaphrodite (like an earthworm or a snail) naturally has the working reproductive organs of both sexes inside its body.
• Gynandromorphy is a rare genetic “error” where the physical body itself is visibly split into male and female halves.

UPSC Value Box

With reference to recent biodiversity discoveries in India, consider the following statements:

1. ‘Gynandromorphy’ is a condition where an organism’s physical body visibly displays both male and female characteristics.
2. The Vela carli crab is a freshwater species found exclusively in the Western Ghats.
3. The Silent Valley National Park, known for its tropical evergreen forests, is located in the state of Tamil Nadu.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Correct Answer: (a)