Biodiversity Hotspots — Set 2
Environment · जैव विविधता हॉटस्पॉट · Questions 11–20 of 50
The 'Western Ghats and Sri Lanka' hotspot is famous for which unique mountain landscape in India?
Correct Answer: A. Shola Forests
Shola forests are high-altitude stunted evergreen patches found in the valleys of the Western Ghats. They are separated by vast grasslands, creating a unique mosaic ecosystem. These forests play a crucial role in maintaining regional water cycles.
Which type of ecosystem is most commonly found in the 'Mediterranean Basin' hotspot?
Correct Answer: C. Sclerophyllous Shrublands
The Mediterranean Basin is characterized by dry summers and cool, wet winters. Sclerophyllous vegetation consists of plants with hard, leathery leaves to prevent water loss. This hotspot spans across three different continents.
What is the primary reason for the 'Hotspot' designation being given to certain areas?
Correct Answer: C. Urgent need for conservation
The term refers to biological 'emergency rooms' that require immediate attention. It highlights areas where biodiversity is both highly concentrated and highly threatened. This helps international agencies allocate limited conservation funds more effectively.
Which region is the 'Cape Floristic Region' biodiversity hotspot located in?
Correct Answer: D. South Africa
The Cape Floristic Region is located at the southern tip of South Africa. It is famous for its unique 'Fynbos' vegetation. This area has the highest concentration of non-tropical plant species in the world.
In terms of global land area, biodiversity hotspots collectively cover approximately how much?
Correct Answer: A. 2.5%
Hotspots cover only a tiny fraction of the Earth's land surface. Despite this small size, they support more than half of the world's plant species as endemics. Protecting these areas is the most efficient way to prevent mass extinction.
Which Indian state contains parts of both the Western Ghats and the Indo-Burma hotspots?
Correct Answer: C. None of these
The Western Ghats are in the west, while Indo-Burma is in the northeast of India. No single Indian state geographically overlaps with these two distinct hotspots. This highlights the varied ecological distribution across the subcontinent.
The 'Caucasus' biodiversity hotspot is situated between which two seas?
Correct Answer: D. Black Sea and Caspian Sea
The correct answer is 'Black Sea and Caspian Sea'. The Caucasus region serves as a bridge between Europe and Asia. It is a mountainous area with high levels of plant and animal endemism. The region's diverse topography contributes to its status as a significant hotspot.
Which bird species is an endemic resident of the Western Ghats hotspot?
Correct Answer: A. Malabar Whistling Thrush
The Malabar Whistling Thrush is found only in the Western Ghats and associated hills. It is known for its human-like whistling song. Endemic birds are key indicators of the health of forest ecosystems.
Which of the following is NOT a major threat to biodiversity hotspots?
Correct Answer: C. Sustainable agriculture
Sustainable agriculture aims to protect the environment while producing food. Most hotspots are threatened by destructive practices like illegal logging and poaching. These threats lead to the permanent loss of unique genetic resources.
The 'Wallaceas' hotspot is located between which two major biogeographic realms?
Correct Answer: B. Indomalayan and Australasian
The correct answer is 'Indomalayan and Australasian'. Wallacea includes a group of Indonesian islands separated by deep water trenches. It acts as a transition zone for species moving between Asia and Australia. The 'Wallace Line' serves as the boundary for many animal groups.