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 ?

The correct option is (c). Explanation The concept of "Biodiversity Hotspots" was introduced by Norman Myers in 1988 to identify regions of high biodiversity priority. Conservation International later formalized the specific scientific criteria for recognizing these areas. Analysis of Criteria: - 1. Species Richness (Correct): Hotspots are characterized by exceptional concentrations of species. While the strict definition focuses on vascular plants, high species richness is a fundamental attribute of these regions. - 3. Endemism (Correct): This is a primary criterion. To qualify as a hotspot, a region must contain at least 1,500 species of vascular plants as endemics (species found nowhere else on Earth). - 5. Threat Perception (Correct): This refers to the degree of habitat loss. A region must have lost at least 70% of its primary vegetation to be classified as a hotspot. - 2. Vegetation Density (Incorrect): Density does not equate to diversity. A monoculture plantation can be dense but lacks biodiversity. - 4. Ethno-botanical Importance (Incorrect): While culturally significant, this is not a scientific criterion used by Conservation International for designating global biodiversity hotspots. - 6. Adaptation to Warm and Humid Conditions (Incorrect): Hotspots are not restricted to warm and humid climates. They exist in various biomes, including the Mediterranean Basin and temperate regions. Key Takeaway: A Biodiversity Hotspot must meet two strict criteria: it must possess at least 1,500 endemic vascular plant species and must have lost at least 70% of its original habitat.

IAS 2011 — Environment & Ecology Environment & Ecology

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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 correct criteria in this context ?

Official previous-year question

Verified 2 Aug 2026.

Options

A1, 2 and 6
B2, 4 and 6
C1, 3 and 5
D3, 4 and 6

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is (c).

Explanation

The concept of "Biodiversity Hotspots" was introduced by Norman Myers in 1988 to identify regions of high biodiversity priority. Conservation International later formalized the specific scientific criteria for recognizing these areas.

Analysis of Criteria:

1. Species Richness (Correct): Hotspots are characterized by exceptional concentrations of species. While the strict definition focuses on vascular plants, high species richness is a fundamental attribute of these regions.
3. Endemism (Correct): This is a primary criterion. To qualify as a hotspot, a region must contain at least 1,500 species of vascular plants as endemics (species found nowhere else on Earth).
5. Threat Perception (Correct): This refers to the degree of habitat loss. A region must have lost at least 70% of its primary vegetation to be classified as a hotspot.
2. Vegetation Density (Incorrect): Density does not equate to diversity. A monoculture plantation can be dense but lacks biodiversity.
4. Ethno-botanical Importance (Incorrect): While culturally significant, this is not a scientific criterion used by Conservation International for designating global biodiversity hotspots.
6. Adaptation to Warm and Humid Conditions (Incorrect): Hotspots are not restricted to warm and humid climates. They exist in various biomes, including the Mediterranean Basin and temperate regions.

Key Takeaway:
A Biodiversity Hotspot must meet two strict criteria: it must possess at least 1,500 endemic vascular plant species and must have lost at least 70% of its original habitat.

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The correct option is (c).

Explanation

Analysis of Criteria:

1. Species Richness (Correct): Hotspots are characterized by exceptional concentrations of species. While the strict definition focuses on vascular plants, high species richness is a fundamental attribute of these regions.
3. Endemism (Correct): This is a primary criterion. To qualify as a hotspot, a region must contain at least 1,500 species of vascular plants as endemics (species found nowhere else on Earth).
5. Threat Perception (Correct): This refers to the degree of habitat loss. A region must have lost at least 70% of its primary vegetation to be classified as a hotspot.
2. Vegetation Density (Incorrect): Density does not equate to diversity. A monoculture plantation can be dense but lacks biodiversity.
4. Ethno-botanical Importance (Incorrect): While culturally significant, this is not a scientific criterion used by Conservation International for designating global biodiversity hotspots.
6. Adaptation to Warm and Humid Conditions (Incorrect): Hotspots are not restricted to warm and humid climates. They exist in various biomes, including the Mediterranean Basin and temperate regions.

Key Takeaway:
A Biodiversity Hotspot must meet two strict criteria: it must possess at least 1,500 endemic vascular plant species and must have lost at least 70% of its original habitat.