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Difficulty: EasyBiodiversity Concepts, Hotspots and Endemism

Which of the following geographical regions of India are officially included within globally recognized biodiversity hotspots? (Select all correct options)

  1. Western GhatsAnswer
  2. Nicobar IslandsAnswer
  3. C
    Gangetic Plain
  4. D
    Thar Desert

Answer

The Western Ghats and the Nicobar Islands are both officially included within global biodiversity hotspots in India.
The Western Ghats and the Nicobar Islands are correct because India is home to four global biodiversity hotspots: Western Ghats, Himalayas, Indo-Burma, and Sundaland (which encompasses the Nicobar Islands). Both regions possess extreme levels of species endemism coupled with severe habitat destruction.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the four global biodiversity hotspots associated with India.
The four regions are the Western Ghats (and Sri Lanka), the Eastern Himalayas (Himalaya hotspot), Indo-Burma, and Sundaland (which includes the Nicobar Islands).
Official conservation biology classification recognizes these specific zones based on species endemism and habitat threat levels.
2
Evaluate each choice against the recognized Indian biodiversity hotspots.
The Western Ghats forms its own hotspot region, and the Nicobar Islands fall under the Sundaland hotspot. The Gangetic Plain and Thar Desert are not designated hotspots.
Hotspots require at least 1,500 endemic vascular plant species and at least 70% loss of primary vegetation, criteria not met by major agricultural plains or arid desert belts.

Key Concept

Geographical distribution of global biodiversity hotspots in India
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Topics

Biodiversity Concepts, Hotspots and Endemism

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