UPSC Prelims 2011 · Question 90 of 100
UPSC Prelims 2011 question on Biodiversity Hotspot Criteria
- ExamUPSC CSE
- Year2011
- PaperGeneral Studies Paper I
- SubjectEnvironment and Ecology
- TopicBiodiversity
- DifficultyMedium
- TypeStatement
Three of the following criteria have contributed to the recognition of Western Ghats-Sri Lanka and Indo-Burma regions as hotspots of biodiversity:
1. Species richness
2. Vegetation density
3. Endemism
4. Ethno-botanical importance
5. Threat perception
6. Adaptation of flora and fauna to warm and humid conditions
Which three of the above are correct criteria in this context?
Show answer
Answer: C. 1, 3 and 5
Verdict
Correct Answer: 1, 3 and 5
Analysis
A biodiversity hotspot is a region with very high biodiversity, high endemism and serious threat to its natural habitat.
Statement by statement
1. Species richness — Correct
Species richness means the presence of a large number of species in an area.
It is an important feature of biodiversity hotspots because such regions support high biological diversity.
2. Vegetation density — Incorrect
Vegetation density is not a formal criterion for declaring a biodiversity hotspot.
A region may have dense vegetation, but hotspot status depends on species richness, endemism and threat.
3. Endemism — Correct
Endemism means species found only in a particular region and nowhere else.
A biodiversity hotspot must have a high number of endemic species, especially endemic vascular plants.
4. Ethno-botanical importance — Incorrect
Ethno-botanical importance means the cultural or traditional use of plants by local communities.
It may be important for conservation, but it is not a formal hotspot criterion.
5. Threat perception — Correct
A biodiversity hotspot must face serious threat due to habitat loss or degradation.
The region should have lost a major part of its original natural vegetation.
6. Adaptation to warm and humid conditions — Incorrect
Adaptation to climate is not a criterion for hotspot recognition.
Hotspots are identified mainly on the basis of biodiversity value and threat level.
Extra UPSC info
* The biodiversity hotspot concept was developed by Norman Myers.
* Conservation International uses two main criteria: endemism and threat.
* A hotspot must have at least 1,500 endemic vascular plant species.
* It must have lost at least 70% of its original native vegetation.
* India has four biodiversity hotspots: Himalaya, Western Ghats-Sri Lanka, Indo-Burma and Sundaland.
* The Nicobar Islands are part of the Sundaland hotspot.
How to crack it
Species richness, endemism and threat perception are the correct criteria for recognising biodiversity hotspots.
Related current-affairs briefs
More questions on Biodiversity
← Full 2011 question paper · All Environment and Ecology questions