Question 1

Who coined the term 'Biodiversity Hotspot' in 1988?

Accepted Answer

Norman Myers. Norman Myers introduced the concept to identify regions with high conservation priority. He focused on areas with high endemism and significant habitat loss. This framework is now globally accepted for environmental protection strategies.

Question 2

To qualify as a biodiversity hotspot, a region must contain at least how many endemic species of vascular plants?

Accepted Answer

1,500. A region must have 1,500 endemic vascular plants to meet the first criterion. Endemic means these species are found nowhere else on Earth. High plant diversity is often an indicator of overall ecosystem richness.

Question 3

A region must have lost at least what percentage of its primary vegetation to be classified as a hotspot?

Accepted Answer

70%. The second criterion requires that an area must have lost 70% or more of its original habitat. This indicates that the region is under extreme threat from human activities. Currently, only about 36 areas worldwide meet these strict requirements.

Question 4

Which of the following is one of the four biodiversity hotspots found primarily within India?

Accepted Answer

Sahyadri-Western Ghats. The Western Ghats are recognized globally for their high level of biological diversity. They run parallel to the western coast of the Indian peninsula. This region is home to many unique species like the Lion-tailed Macaque.

Question 5

The Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot covers which of the following regions in India?

Accepted Answer

North-Eastern India. Indo-Burma includes most of the North-Eastern states of India except for the Himalayan range. It is one of the most threatened hotspots due to rapid urbanization. It supports a vast variety of bird and freshwater turtle species.

Biodiversity Hotspots — Set 1