NEETBotanyBiodiversity and its Conservation
Conservationists identify certain regions as 'biodiversity hotspots' for maximum protection. Which of the following is not a defining criterion for designating a region as a biodiversity hotspot?
Options
- AHigh degree of endemism
- BLarge geographical area covering multiple climatic zones
- CAccelerated rate of habitat loss
- DVery high levels of species richness
Correct answer
B. Large geographical area covering multiple climatic zones
Step-by-step solution
According to NCERT, biodiversity hotspots are regions prioritized for maximum protection due to very high levels of species richness and a high degree of endemism (species confined to that region and not found anywhere else). These regions are also characterized by an accelerated rate of habitat loss. The total area of all biodiversity hotspots put together is less than 2 percent of the earth's land area. Therefore, having a large geographical area is not a criterion for designating a biodiversity hotspot; in fact,