Read the following statements regarding 'Biodiversity Hotspots': (A) They are regions with very high levels of species richness. (B) They show a high degree of endemism, meaning species found there are not found anywhere else. (C) They are regions of accelerated habitat loss. (D) Together, all biodiversity hotspots cover more than 10 percent of the earth's land area. How many of the above statements are correct?

Step-by-step solution

Statements (A), (B), and (C) are correct. Biodiversity hotspots are regions identified for maximum protection because they possess very high levels of species richness and a high degree of endemism. They are also regions of accelerated habitat loss. Statement (D) is incorrect because although the number of species they collectively harbour is extremely high, all the biodiversity hotspots put together cover less than 2 percent of the earth's land area, not more than 10 percent. Therefore, exactly three statements ar