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Difficulty: MediumBiodiversity Concepts, Hotspots and Endemism

Which of the following statements regarding species endemism and ecological diversity metrics are correct?

  1. Palaeo-endemism refers to evolutionary ancient species that were once widespread but are now geographically restricted to specific isolated refugia.Answer
  2. B
    The Nicobar group of islands forms an integral geographical part of the Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot.
  3. High beta diversity indicates a high rate of turnover in species composition between different adjacent habitats or ecological gradients.Answer
  4. D
    Beta diversity represents the total overall species richness across an entire biogeographical realm or continent.

Answer

The correct statements are that palaeo-endemism refers to ancient species restricted to isolated refugia, and high beta diversity indicates rapid species turnover across habitats.
Palaeo-endemism accurately characterizes ancient species (relicts) now restricted to small areas. Beta diversity specifically measures the turnover rate of species composition when moving between different communities or habitats.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Evaluate the definition of palaeo-endemism
Palaeo-endemism accurately describes relict populations of phylogenetically older groups confined to remnant refugia.
It contrasts with neo-endemism, where newly evolved species have not yet spread beyond their origin.
2
Analyze the territorial coverage of Indian biodiversity hotspots
The Nicobar group of islands falls under the Sundaland hotspot, not Indo-Burma.
Indo-Burma encompasses Northeast India and the Andaman Islands, while Sundaland extends into the Nicobar Islands.
3
Distinguish between Whittaker's diversity indices (Alpha, Beta, and Gamma)
Beta diversity measures species turnover between communities, while Gamma diversity measures overall regional diversity.
Alpha is local richness, Beta is composition change across habitats, and Gamma is total regional richness.

Key Concept

Classification of endemic species types, spatial limits of Indian biodiversity hotspots, and Whittaker's ecological diversity indices.
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Topics

Biodiversity Concepts, Hotspots and Endemism

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