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Quick scan: new fungus Mollisia sokpayensia discovered in the Sikkim Himalaya
Why in News?
A new fungus from the Sikkim Himalaya: the species-in-news biodiversity pointer GS3 Prelims expects you to place
New fungus species found in the Sikkim Himalaya.
Why it matters: general awareness
What you need to know
2 min read
Microbiologists reported a new fungal species, Mollisia sokpayensia, from the Sikkim Himalaya in October 2026.
The team was led by Manipur scientist Dr Laishram Shantikumar Singh.
Sources: Topper IAS editorial (PIB / The Hindu / Indian Express)
Key facts
Remember these
- New fungal species Mollisia sokpayensia reported from the Sikkim Himalaya in October 2026
- The team was led by Manipur scientist Dr Laishram Shantikumar Singh
- Mollisia is a genus of ascomycete fungi; species names are written in italics with genus first and species epithet second (binomial nomenclature)
- The Sikkim Himalaya lies in the Eastern Himalaya, part of the Himalaya global biodiversity hotspot
- Fungi form their own kingdom, separate from plants and animals
Prelims · Mains
How the exam will ask it
Prelims
- Fungi are heterotrophic organisms with cell walls made of chitin, and they absorb nutrients from their surroundings.
- The Himalaya is one of India's biodiversity hotspots, and the Eastern Himalaya includes Sikkim.
- In binomial nomenclature, a newly described species is named by a genus and a species epithet, as in Mollisia sokpayensia.
Mains
GS3 (Environment and Biodiversity). New species discoveries in the Himalaya show how much biodiversity is still undocumented, especially among fungi and other lesser-studied groups. This strengthens the case for taxonomic surveys, protection of fragile mountain habitats under the Biological Diversity Act, 2002, and funding for local scientists and herbaria. Way forward: systematic documentation, People's Biodiversity Registers and climate-resilient conservation of Himalayan ecosystems.
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