These days, very often we hear the term 'Biodiversity Hotspot'. Which of the following requirements does a place need to qualify as a biodiversity hotspot?
- It must contain at least 0.5% or 1,500 species of vascular plants as endemics.
- It has to have lost at least 50% of its primary vegetation.
Choose the correct option:
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Only 1
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Only 2
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Both 1 & 2
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Neither 1 nor 2
A
Correct answer
Explanation
A biodiversity hotspot is a region with a significant reservoir of biodiversity that is under threat from humans.
The concept of biodiversity hotspots was coined by Norman Myers.
To qualify as a biodiversity hotspot, a region must meet two strict criteria:
1) it must contain at least 0.5% or 1,500 species of vascular plants as endemics, and
2) it has to have lost at least 70% of its primary vegetation.