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 the correct criteria in this context?

QUESTION

Medium

Environment & Ecology

Prelims 2011

Three of the following criteria have contributed to the recognition of Western Ghats-Sri Lanka and Indo-Burma regions as hotspots of biodiversity:

Species richness
Vegetation density
Endemism
Ethno-botanical importance
Threat perception
Adaptation of flora and fauna to warm and humid conditions

Which three of the above are the correct criteria in this context?

Select an option to attempt

Explanation

Statement 1 is Correct: Species richness is a fundamental aspect of the hotspot criteria, as a region must harbor at least 1,500 species of vascular plants (>0.5% of the world’s total) to qualify.

Statement 2 is Incorrect: Vegetation density refers to the physical thickness of plant cover, which is not a criterion for hotspot designation; even sparsely vegetated areas can be hotspots if they meet endemism and threat levels.

Statement 3 is Correct: Endemism is a primary criterion defined by Conservation International; the 1,500 vascular plants mentioned above must be endemic, meaning they are found nowhere else on Earth.

Statement 4 is Incorrect: Ethno-botanical importance refers to the relationship between people and plants. While culturally significant, it is not a formal scientific criterion for identifying a biodiversity hotspot.

Statement 5 is Correct: Threat perception is the second essential criterion; a region must have lost at least 70% of its original natural vegetation (retaining 30% or less) to be recognized as a hotspot.

Statement 6 is Incorrect: Adaptation to warm and humid conditions is not a requirement. Biodiversity hotspots are found across various climatic zones, including Mediterranean and temperate regions, not just tropical ones.

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