Biodiversity Hotspots — Set 1
Environment · जैव विविधता हॉटस्पॉट · Questions 1–10 of 50
Who coined the term 'Biodiversity Hotspot' in 1988?
Correct Answer: D. 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.
To qualify as a biodiversity hotspot, a region must contain at least how many endemic species of vascular plants?
Correct Answer: D. 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.
A region must have lost at least what percentage of its primary vegetation to be classified as a hotspot?
Correct Answer: D. 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.
Which of the following is one of the four biodiversity hotspots found primarily within India?
Correct Answer: A. 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.
The Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot covers which of the following regions in India?
Correct Answer: D. 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.
Which international organization currently manages the official list of global biodiversity hotspots?
Correct Answer: D. Conservation International
Conservation International adopted Myers' concept to guide its global conservation efforts. They periodically review scientific data to update the list of qualifying regions. There are currently 36 recognized biodiversity hotspots on the planet.
Which hotspot includes the Nicobar group of islands in India?
Correct Answer: C. Sundaland
Sundaland includes the Nicobar Islands along with parts of Southeast Asia like Indonesia. It is characterized by its tropical rainforests and high marine biodiversity. The region is vital for the protection of mangrove ecosystems.
The Himalaya biodiversity hotspot includes which of the following mountain ranges?
Correct Answer: D. The Entire Himalayan Range
The Himalayan hotspot encompasses the entire mountain range across several countries including India. It is famous for its diverse climatic zones ranging from tropical to alpine. It contains the world's highest peaks and numerous endemic medicinal plants.
Which country is home to the 'Atlantic Forest' biodiversity hotspot?
Correct Answer: D. Brazil
The Atlantic Forest is located primarily along the coast of Brazil. It is distinct from the Amazon rainforest and is highly fragmented. Despite having lost over 80% of its cover, it remains a top conservation priority.
Which of these regions is known as the 'hottest' of the global biodiversity hotspots due to extreme species density?
Correct Answer: D. Madagascar
Madagascar is often ranked at the top because nearly all its species are found nowhere else. Its isolation from the mainland for millions of years allowed unique life forms to evolve. Lemurs are perhaps the most famous endemic residents of this island.