In the light of new discovery of soul dwelling nematode crassolabium dhritiae, which of the following statements are true?
I. It was discovered in Keonjhar, Odisha.
II. It is named after the director of Zoological Survey of India i.e. Dr. Malti Mukherjee.
III. These organisms play significant role in nutrient-cycling and decomposition of organic matter.

Correct option is B

The correct answer is (b) I and III

Explanation:

• Statement I is correct: The new species of nematode, Crassolabium dhritiae, was discovered in the Keonjhar district of Odisha.
• Statement II is incorrect: It is named after the current Director of the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI), Dr. Dhriti Banerjee, not Malti Mukherjee.
• Statement III is correct: Soil-dwelling nematodes are vital for nutrient cycling and the decomposition of organic matter, maintaining soil health.
• Nematodes are among the most abundant multicellular organisms on Earth.

Information Booster:

• The Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) is headquartered in Kolkata.
• Nematodes are often used as bio-indicators of soil quality and environmental health.

Additional Knowledge:

Only II (Option c)

• Incorrect because the name of the director mentioned (Malti Mukherjee) is factually wrong in the context of this 2024/25 discovery.

So the correct answer is (b)