India may get more answers to missing links as 347 new plant species and 424 new animal species discovered

According to surveys and scientific studies conducted by scientists and taxonomics of Botanical Survey of India and Zoological Survey of India, 347 and 424 new plant and animal species were discovered during the years 2013- 2014, respectively.

Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar divulged these details in Rajya Sabha.

Javadekar added that these new species will be important and open new avenues in the field of ecology.

"There is also economic benefit for discovering new species, as each new organism may prove a valuable source of new medicines or food crops, or inspire new technology," said Javadekar.