Questions and Answers
What is required for a region to qualify as a biodiversity hotspot?
Which of the following species is NOT found in the Himalayas biodiversity hotspot?
How many endemic plant species are found in the Himalayas?
What is a significant threat to species in the Indo-Burma region?
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Which of the following is NOT one of the major biodiversity hotspots in India?
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Which mammal species was NOT discovered in the last 12 years in the Indo-Burma region?
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How many different bird species are found in the Indo-Burma region?
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What percentage of India's geographical area is covered by forests and trees?
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Study Notes
Biodiversity Overview
- Biodiversity refers to the variety of plant and animal species within a specific habitat.
- Key components of biodiversity include species richness (the number of different species) and species evenness (the relative abundance of each species).
- In India, 23.39% of geographical area comprises forests and trees.
Biodiversity Hotspots
- Defined as biogeographic regions with a high number of endemic species that face habitat loss.
- Criteria for classification as a biodiversity hotspot:
- Must have at least 1,500 species of vascular plants.
- At least 70% of original habitat must remain intact.
Major Biodiversity Hotspots in India
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The Himalayas
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Located in North-East India, Bhutan, and Nepal (Central and Eastern).
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Housing 163 endangered species such as the Wild Asian Water Buffalo and One-horned Rhino.
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Supports around 10,000 plant species, with 3,160 endemic to the region, spanning approximately 750,000 km².
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Indo-Burma Region
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Encompasses a vast area of 2,373,000 km².
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Recent discoveries include six large mammal species: Large-antlered Muntjac, Annamite Muntjac, Grey-shanked Douc, Annamite Striped Rabbit, Leaf Deer, and Saola.
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Features endemic freshwater turtle species that are threatened due to overharvesting and habitat destruction.
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Home to 1,300 bird species, including vulnerable ones such as the White-eared Night-heron and Grey-crowned Crocias.
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The Western Ghats
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Important ecological zone, known for its rich biodiversity and species endemism.
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Sundaland
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Acknowledged as another significant biodiversity hotspot in the Indian region.
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Description
Explore the concept of biodiversity hotspots in India through this quiz. Learn about the significance of endemic species, habitat loss, and India's forest coverage. This quiz is essential for UPSC GS-III preparation, focusing on biodiversity and environmental issues.
