mains 22 TS

<h1 class="ql-align-center">Physella Acuta</h1> <h2>Context:</h2> <ul><li>Researchers have found a tiny snail species named&nbsp;Physella Acuta also known as acute bladder snail in the Edappally canal in Kochi, Kerala. </li></ul> <h2>About:</h2> <ul><li class="ql-align-justify">Physella acuta&nbsp;is considered native to North America but is now found in all continents except Antarctica.</li></ul> <ul><li class="ql-align-justify">This snail has been globally branded as a&nbsp;highly invasive species. </li></ul> <ul><li class="ql-align-justify">Its&nbsp;rapid growth rate, air-breathing capability, and&nbsp;tolerance to pollution&nbsp;make the&nbsp;Physella acuta&nbsp;a potential competitor to native fauna and hence it could play havoc with native ecosystems.</li></ul> <ul><li class="ql-align-justify">This snail species plays&nbsp;host to worms that can cause food-borne diseases&nbsp;and skin itches in humans.</li></ul> <ul><li>A tiny snail with a striking, pellucid, golden-yellow shell found in the Edappally canal in Kochi has been flagged as an invasive species that could play havoc with native ecosystems.</li></ul> <ul><li>This is the first time this snail has been reported in Kerala </li></ul> <ul><li>It is believed to have reached Kerala through the aquarium trade, a major vector for invasive species </li></ul> <ul><li>Physella acuta is easily identified by its sinistral (left-opening aperture) shell. Its good looks make this snail a favourite of aquariums</li></ul>