With reference to Species Diversity, consider the following statements: 1. It refers solely to the genetic variation within a single species. 2. It can be measured through richness, abundance, and types. 3. Areas with high species diversity are often termed as 'hotspots of diversity'. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Correct Option The correct option is 2 and 3 only. Explanation Biodiversity is generally classified into three levels: Genetic Diversity, Species Diversity, and Ecosystem Diversity. Species diversity specifically refers to the variety of living organisms within a given region. Statement-wise Analysis - Statement 1 is Incorrect: The variation of genes within a single species is defined as Genetic Diversity. Species Diversity refers to the variety of species within a habitat or a region, not the genetic makeup within one species. - Statement 2 is Correct: Species diversity is measured using parameters such as Species Richness (the number of different species per unit area) and Species Abundance or Evenness (the relative number of individuals of different species). It also considers the types of species (taxonomic or phylogenetic diversity). - Statement 3 is Correct: Areas that exhibit high levels of species diversity, particularly those with high endemism (species found nowhere else), are technically termed Biodiversity Hotspots. Key Takeaway Species Diversity is determined by Species Richness (count of species) and Species Evenness (relative abundance), whereas Genetic Diversity concerns variations within a single species.

NCERT Class 11 Geography — Chapter 1: Life on the earth

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With reference to Species Diversity, consider the following statements:

It refers solely to the genetic variation within a single species.
It can be measured through richness, abundance, and types.
Areas with high species diversity are often termed as 'hotspots of diversity'.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

A2 and 3 only
B2 only
C1 and 2 only
D1, 2 and 3

Did you get this right?

Solution

Correct Option

The correct option is 2 and 3 only.

Explanation

Biodiversity is generally classified into three levels: Genetic Diversity, Species Diversity, and Ecosystem Diversity. Species diversity specifically refers to the variety of living organisms within a given region.

Statement-wise Analysis

Statement 1 is Incorrect: The variation of genes within a single species is defined as Genetic Diversity. Species Diversity refers to the variety of species within a habitat or a region, not the genetic makeup within one species.
Statement 2 is Correct: Species diversity is measured using parameters such as Species Richness (the number of different species per unit area) and Species Abundance or Evenness (the relative number of individuals of different species). It also considers the types of species (taxonomic or phylogenetic diversity).
Statement 3 is Correct: Areas that exhibit high levels of species diversity, particularly those with high endemism (species found nowhere else), are technically termed Biodiversity Hotspots.

Key Takeaway

Species Diversity is determined by Species Richness (count of species) and Species Evenness (relative abundance), whereas Genetic Diversity concerns variations within a single species.

Your note

More from Chapter 1: Life on the earth

Consider the following statements about Endangered Species: 1. They include species which are in danger of extinction. 2. The World Bank publishes the Red List containing information about them. 3. The Red Panda is considered an invasive species and is not endangered. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Which of the following statements regarding the Convention on Biodiversity is correct?

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With reference to the geographical distribution of biodiversity, consider the following statements: 1. The weathering mantle serves as the fundamental basis for the diversity of vegetation. 2. Biodiversity is consistently richer in the polar regions due to lower human interference. 3. The input of solar energy has no role in determining the diversity of vegetation. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Consider the following statements regarding Genetic Diversity: 1. It refers to the variation of genes within a species. 2. It has no influence on the physical characteristics of individuals within a species. 3. High genetic diversity is essential for the healthy breeding of a population. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Consider the following statements regarding the Ecological Role of Biodiversity: 1. Higher diversity in an ecosystem decreases its ability to survive adversities. 2. Every organism contributes to the sustenance of other organisms. 3. Ecosystems with high diversity are generally less stable than those with low diversity. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Correct Option

The correct option is 2 and 3 only.

Explanation

Statement-wise Analysis

Statement 1 is Incorrect: The variation of genes within a single species is defined as Genetic Diversity. Species Diversity refers to the variety of species within a habitat or a region, not the genetic makeup within one species.
Statement 2 is Correct: Species diversity is measured using parameters such as Species Richness (the number of different species per unit area) and Species Abundance or Evenness (the relative number of individuals of different species). It also considers the types of species (taxonomic or phylogenetic diversity).
Statement 3 is Correct: Areas that exhibit high levels of species diversity, particularly those with high endemism (species found nowhere else), are technically termed Biodiversity Hotspots.