The correct option is D.
Explanation
Biodiversity hotspots are biogeographic regions that serve as significant reservoirs of biodiversity and are characterized by high levels of endemism and significant levels of habitat loss.
- Statement 1 is Correct: Human populations residing within or near biodiversity hotspots often rely heavily on the ecosystem services provided by these species-rich areas. These ecosystems provide essential resources such as food, medicinal plants, firewood, and timber, which are critical for the livelihoods and subsistence of local communities.
- Statement 2 is Incorrect: By definition, a region must be under significant threat to be designated as a biodiversity hotspot. To qualify, a region must have lost at least 70% of its original primary vegetation. Therefore, hotspots are areas where biodiversity is highly threatened, not least threatened.
- Statement 3 is Correct: The concept of biodiversity hotspots was first introduced by British ecologist Norman Myers in 1988. The organization Conservation International (CI) subsequently adopted and refined the concept, establishing specific quantitative criteria (at least 1,500 species of vascular plants as endemics and a loss of at least 70% of its original habitat) for identifying these regions globally.
Biodiversity hotspots are defined by two primary criteria: high endemism and a high degree of threat (significant habitat loss).