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Difficulty: HardBiodiversity Concepts, Hotspots and Endemism

Consider the following statements regarding the global biodiversity hotspots criteria and their regional distribution in India:

1. To qualify as a biodiversity hotspot, a region must contain at least 1,500 species of endemic vascular plants (representing >0.5% of the world's total).
2. A candidate region must have retained at least 70% of its original primary natural vegetation to demonstrate high ecological integrity.
3. Among the Indian territory regions, the Nicobar group of islands is biogeographically included under the Sundaland hotspot, whereas the Andaman Islands fall under the Indo-Burma hotspot.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

  1. 1 and 3 onlyAnswer
  2. B
    1 and 2 only
  3. C
    2 and 3 only
  4. D
    1, 2 and 3

Answer

The correct statements are 1 and 3 only.
The correct response identifies statements 1 and 3 as true. Statement 1 accurately captures the quantitative threshold of at least 1,500 endemic vascular plant species (>0.5% of global total). Statement 3 correctly separates the Andaman Islands (Indo-Burma hotspot) from the Nicobar Islands (Sundaland hotspot). Statement 2 is false because hotspots must have lost at least 70% of primary vegetation (retaining 30% or less).

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Evaluate Statement 1 regarding Norman Myers' quantitative endemism criterion.
Statement 1 is correct. A biodiversity hotspot must contain at least 1,500 species of endemic vascular plants, which constitutes over 0.5% of the world's total vascular plant species.
Vascular plants are critical indicators of ecosystem diversity, and this strict quantitative threshold ensures only exceptionally species-rich areas qualify.
2
Evaluate Statement 2 regarding habitat loss and threat criteria.
Statement 2 is incorrect. A region must have lost at least 70% of its original primary vegetation (meaning it retains 30% or less of its original natural habitat) to qualify under the degree of threat criterion.
The hotspot designation highlights urgent conservation needs in areas under extreme human threat, not pristine intact reserves.
3
Evaluate Statement 3 regarding Indian hotspot geography.
Statement 3 is correct. Geographically and ecologically, the Nicobar Islands form part of the Sundaland hotspot (extending into South-East Asia), whereas the Andaman Islands form part of the Indo-Burma hotspot.
The two island archipelagos belong to distinct biogeographical realms despite politically being part of the same Indian Union Territory.

Key Concept

Norman Myers Biodiversity Hotspots Criteria and Indian Geographic Distribution
Estimated Time:1m 30s
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Topics

Biodiversity Concepts, Hotspots and Endemism

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