Consider the following statements:
1. The Taxus tree naturally found in the Himalayas.
2. The Taxus tree is listed in the Red Data Book.
3. A drug called "taxol" is obtained from Taxus tree is effective against Parkinson's disease.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Correct Answer: Option B
Explanation
1. Statement 1: Claims the Taxus tree is naturally found in the Himalayas. Taxus species (Yews), including Taxus wallichiana (Himalayan Yew), are indeed naturally found in the Himalayan region. This statement is correct.
2. Statement 2: Claims the Taxus tree is listed in the Red Data Book. Due to over-exploitation for medicinal purposes (extraction of taxol) and habitat loss, several Taxus species, including the Himalayan Yew, are listed as endangered or vulnerable in IUCN Red Lists (often referred to generically as Red Data Books). This statement is correct.
3. Statement 3: Claims a drug called "taxol" is obtained from Taxus tree and is effective against Parkinson's disease. While the anti-cancer drug Taxol (Paclitaxel) is indeed obtained from the bark of Taxus trees, it is primarily used to treat various cancers (like ovarian, breast, lung cancer). It is *not* known to be effective against Parkinson's disease, which is a neurodegenerative disorder. This statement is incorrect.
4. Therefore, only statements 1 and 2 are correct.
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