News Excerpt:

Researchers at Berhampur University, Odisha, have discovered a new species of marine amphipod in the state’s Chillika Lake on the east coast of India.

About the Species:

• It is a shrimp-like crustacean of the genus Demaorchestia.
• The family Talitridae is considered one of the oldest groups of amphipods, and it is believed to have been on the planet since the Jurassic age. 
  • It is divided into four subfamilies: Talitrinae, Floresorchestiinae, Pseudorchestoideinae, and Platorchestiinae. 
  • In the Indian context, the family Talitridae is represented by only Talitrinae and Floresorchestiinae.
  • The present contribution has added one more species to the genus Demaorchestia, raising the global species number in the group to six.

• Significance of the species:

• Amphipods are a significant group in the marine ecosystem and play a vital role in the marine food chain. 
• They also serve as indicators for studying climate change's impact and coastal ecosystems' health. 
• Further research will delve deeper into understanding the specific ecological roles of amphipods in coastal and marine environments.