Q.7. Discuss economic importance of Chara.
Ans.7. (1) Vaidya (1960) proposed, “Chara can be regarded as a good protein food” on the basis of his studies on C. brachypus.
(2) Chara spp. are used as food by aquatic animals.
(3) Various epiphyte and herbivores grow on them and constitute food for fishes.
(4) They help in the purification of turbid water (Crooker, 1948).
(5) The dried plants, which posses pungent odour are used in Switzerland farmlands of control the insects (Prosper, 1910). However, this beneficial aspect of Chara is controversial.
(6) These can be readily used a manure.
Scientists can easily perform experiments on it due to its large size. Zanevald (1940) listed nine uses of these plants as food for aquatic animals, purification, used in polishes, mud baths and therapeutic value.
High lime encurstations help in preventing sourness of the soil.
In acidic condition, these are the cheap source of calcium.
These serve as food as well as experimental material for physiological investigations.
BSc 1st Year Botany Chlorophyta Sample Model Practice Question Answer Papers
BSc 1st Year Sample Model Practice Mock Test Question Answer Papers