Summary
Scientists are utilizing drones to monitor Arctic whales and have successfully identified a deadly virus, cetacean morbillivirus, in beluga whales. This virus, previously found in warmer waters, is now appearing in the Arctic, raising concerns about the impact of climate change on marine ecosystems. As sea ice melts, new pathogens and species are migrating to the Arctic, potentially exposing vulnerable populations like beluga whales to novel diseases. Drones provide a non-invasive method to collect samples and track whale health, offering crucial insights into how climate change is altering disease dynamics and threatening biodiversity in polar regions.
Full Analysis
Scientists are utilizing drones to monitor Arctic whales and have successfully identified a deadly virus, cetacean morbillivirus, in beluga whales. This virus, previously found in warmer waters, is now appearing in the Arctic, raising concerns about the impact of climate change on marine ecosystems. As sea ice melts, new pathogens and species are migrating to the Arctic, potentially exposing vulnerable populations like beluga whales to novel diseases. Drones provide a non-invasive method to collect samples and track whale health, offering crucial insights into how climate change is altering disease dynamics and threatening biodiversity in polar regions.
Background Context
Morbilliviruses are a genus of viruses known to cause highly contagious diseases in various mammals, including measles in humans, canine distemper, and phocine distemper in seals. Cetacean morbillivirus (CMV) specifically affects marine mammals like dolphins and whales, leading to severe respiratory, neurological, and immunosuppressive symptoms, often resulting in mass mortality events. Historically, CMV outbreaks have been more common in warmer temperate and tropical waters, posing a significant threat to marine biodiversity.
Current Developments
Scientists are now utilizing drones to monitor Arctic whales and have successfully identified cetacean morbillivirus in beluga whales in the Arctic. This is a significant development because the virus was previously found predominantly in warmer waters. The appearance of CMV in the Arctic raises serious concerns about the impact of climate change on marine ecosystems. Rapid sea ice melt is altering marine habitats and migration patterns, potentially allowing new pathogens and species to migrate to the Arctic. This exposes vulnerable populations like beluga whales, which may lack immunity, to novel diseases, threatening their survival and the overall biodiversity of polar regions. Drones offer a non-invasive and efficient method for collecting samples and tracking whale health, providing crucial data to understand these evolving disease dynamics.
Practice MCQs
Question 1
Consider the following statements regarding Cetacean Morbillivirus (CMV) and its implications:
1. Cetacean Morbillivirus primarily affects marine mammals, causing respiratory and neurological symptoms.
2. The recent detection of CMV in Arctic beluga whales is concerning because the virus was previously confined to temperate and tropical waters.
3. Climate change-induced sea ice melt is believed to facilitate the migration of pathogens and host species into new Arctic habitats.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- 1 and 2 only
- 2 and 3 only
- 1 and 3 only
- 1, 2 and 3
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct: Cetacean Morbillivirus is known to affect marine mammals like whales and dolphins, causing severe respiratory, neurological, and immunosuppressive symptoms. Statement 2 is correct: The news highlights that CMV, previously found in warmer waters, is now appearing in the Arctic, making its detection in beluga whales a significant concern. Statement 3 is correct: The summary explicitly states that as sea ice melts, new pathogens and species are migrating to the Arctic, potentially exposing vulnerable populations to novel diseases.
Question 2
With reference to the Arctic region and its ecological changes, consider the following statements:
1. Arctic amplification refers to the phenomenon where the Arctic region warms at a faster rate than the rest of the planet.
2. The melting of sea ice in the Arctic can lead to increased freshwater input into the North Atlantic, potentially affecting ocean currents.
3. Beluga whales are typically found in warmer, tropical waters and are considered an invasive species in the Arctic.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- 1 only
- 1 and 2 only
- 2 and 3 only
- 1, 2 and 3
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct: Arctic amplification is a well-documented phenomenon where the Arctic warms at a rate significantly higher than the global average. Statement 2 is correct: Melting sea ice and glaciers contribute freshwater to the ocean, which can alter salinity and density, potentially impacting thermohaline circulation (e.g., Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation - AMOC). Statement 3 is incorrect: Beluga whales (Delphinapterus leucas) are native to the Arctic and sub-Arctic regions, known for their white coloration and unique vocalizations. They are not an invasive species in the Arctic; rather, they are a key component of its marine ecosystem.
Question 3
In the context of environmental monitoring and conservation, which of the following statements best describes the advantage of using drones as highlighted in the news article?
- Drones are capable of deep-sea exploration and mapping of ocean floors for new species discovery.
- Drones provide a non-invasive method for collecting samples and tracking wildlife health in remote and sensitive areas.
- Drones can directly administer vaccines to wild animal populations to prevent disease outbreaks.
- Drones are primarily used for large-scale commercial fishing operations to locate fish schools more efficiently.
Explanation: The news article explicitly states that 'Drones provide a non-invasive method to collect samples and track whale health, offering crucial insights into how climate change is altering disease dynamics and threatening biodiversity in polar regions.' This directly aligns with option B. Options A, C, and D describe other potential or incorrect uses of drones, but not the specific advantage highlighted in the context of the news.
Previous Year Questions
PYQ 1 - UPSC Prelims 2024 2024
Consider the following statements regarding the recent findings in Arctic marine ecosystems:
1. The cetacean morbillivirus, identified in beluga whales, was previously confined to warmer waters.
2. Drones are being utilized as a non-invasive method for monitoring whale health and collecting samples.
3. The melting of sea ice due to climate change is facilitating the migration of new pathogens to the Arctic.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- (a) 1 only
- (b) 2 and 3 only
- (c) 1 and 3 only
- (d) 1, 2 and 3
Explanation: All three statements are correct. The cetacean morbillivirus was indeed found in beluga whales in the Arctic, having previously been found in warmer waters. Drones offer a non-invasive way to monitor these animals, and melting sea ice is a key factor in the spread of new pathogens to the Arctic due to climate change.
PYQ 2 - UPSC Mains 2024 2024
“The Arctic, once a pristine and isolated ecosystem, is increasingly becoming a hotspot for novel disease outbreaks, posing significant threats to its unique biodiversity.” Discuss this statement in the context of climate change and the role of technological advancements in monitoring these changes.
PYQ 3 - SSC CGL 2023 2023
Which of the following viruses was recently identified in Arctic beluga whales using drones?
- (a) Avian Influenza
- (b) Canine Distemper
- (c) Cetacean Morbillivirus
- (d) Zika Virus
Explanation: Scientists recently identified cetacean morbillivirus in beluga whales in the Arctic using drones.
PYQ 4 - SSC CHSL 2023 2023
The presence of cetacean morbillivirus in Arctic waters is primarily linked to which environmental factor?
- (a) Ocean acidification
- (b) Melting sea ice
- (c) Overfishing
- (d) Plastic pollution
Explanation: Melting sea ice due to climate change is allowing new pathogens and species, including cetacean morbillivirus, to migrate to the Arctic.
PYQ 5 - SSC CPO 2023 2023
What is the main advantage of using drones for monitoring whale health in the Arctic, as highlighted in the news?
- (a) They can travel faster than ships.
- (b) They provide a non-invasive method for sample collection.
- (c) They can dive deep underwater to track whales.
- (d) They are cheaper to operate than traditional research vessels.
Explanation: Drones provide a non-invasive method to collect samples and track whale health, minimizing disturbance to the animals.
PYQ 6 - IBPS PO 2023 2023
Scientists recently utilized which advanced technology to detect a deadly virus in Arctic whales?
- (a) Submarines
- (b) Satellites
- (c) Drones
- (d) Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs)
Explanation: The summary explicitly states that scientists are utilizing drones to monitor Arctic whales and identify the virus.
PYQ 7 - SBI PO 2023 2023
The cetacean morbillivirus, now found in Arctic beluga whales, was previously primarily found in which type of marine environment?
- (a) Freshwater lakes
- (b) Tropical rivers
- (c) Warmer marine waters
- (d) Brackish estuaries
Explanation: The virus was previously found in warmer waters, and its appearance in the Arctic is a new development linked to climate change.
PYQ 8 - IBPS Clerk 2023 2023
The migration of new pathogens and species to the Arctic due to melting sea ice primarily threatens the region's:
- (a) Oil and gas reserves
- (b) Shipping routes
- (c) Biodiversity
- (d) Mineral resources
Explanation: The summary highlights concerns about the impact of climate change on marine ecosystems and threatening biodiversity in polar regions.
PYQ 9 - CDS 2023 2023
Consider the following statements regarding the recent discovery in Arctic whales:
1. The identified virus is Cetacean Morbillivirus.
2. It was detected specifically in beluga whales.
3. The use of drones facilitated non-invasive sample collection and monitoring.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
- (a) 1 and 2 only
- (b) 2 and 3 only
- (c) 1 and 3 only
- (d) 1, 2 and 3
Explanation: All three statements are accurate as per the provided information. The virus is cetacean morbillivirus, found in beluga whales, and drones were used for non-invasive monitoring.
PYQ 10 - CDS 2023 2023
Which of the following is considered the primary driver for the appearance of previously warmer-water pathogens, such as cetacean morbillivirus, in the Arctic?
- (a) Increased human fishing activities
- (b) Decline in Arctic predator populations
- (c) Melting of sea ice due to climate change
- (d) Natural shifts in ocean currents unrelated to temperature
Explanation: The summary explicitly states that 'As sea ice melts, new pathogens and species are migrating to the Arctic,' linking it directly to climate change.
PYQ 11 - CDS 2023 2023
Beluga whales are considered particularly vulnerable to novel diseases in the Arctic primarily due to:
- (a) Their large size and slow movement.
- (b) Their isolated populations and potential lack of immunity to new pathogens.
- (c) Their diet consisting mainly of fish.
- (d) Their extensive migratory patterns across different oceans.
Explanation: The summary mentions that 'vulnerable populations like beluga whales' are potentially exposed to 'novel diseases,' implying a lack of prior exposure and immunity due to their previously isolated environment.