Question

Northeastern Himalayas and the Western Ghats are biodiversity hotspots, which are rich in
A) Amphibians
B) Reptiles
C) Amphibians, reptiles, some mammals, butterfly and flowering plants
D) Butterflies

Answer 1

A biodiversity hotspot is a geographic area where the species that are threatened by human habitation are protected. Species of any type of flora or fauna that is in danger of extinction are protected here. It is a very well thought area that will help in saving our biodiversity.

Complete answer:
We all are very well aware of the rich biodiversity that India is famous for. It has around 24.46% of its geographical area covered in forest. The term biodiversity hotspot was coined by Norman Myers.
According to Conservation International, to be named as a hotspot, a region must fulfil two standards-
The area should possess a high degree of endemism i.e. it should have at least 1500 species that are native to that area. Around 30% of its native species should be threatened.

In India, there are four major hotspot areas-
- The Himalayas
- The Western Ghats
- Indo- Burma region
- Sundaland
Let us solve this by eliminating the option, we have already discussed that a biodiversity hotspot includes both flora and fauna. If we look at option (A), (B) and (D) it includes only the fauna but option (C) has included both the flora as well as fauna which makes it the right answer.

Thus the correct answer is option ‘C’.

Note:
- Biodiversity hotspots are the areas that need our constant as well as immediate attention so that they survive and our future generation can too see the biodiversity that we are living with.
- The loss of wildlife habitat tells that it is high time we should realize that world’s 60% of the terrestrial life has inhabited only in 2.4% area and this geographical area should be increased.