Which of the following is NOT a globally-accepted biodiversity hotspot of India?

Question

UnlockIAS · Accepted Answer

Correct — B, Naro Hills. India's territory falls within four internationally recognised biodiversity hotspots (as defined by Conservation International): the Himalaya, Indo-Burma, Sundaland (which extends to the Nicobar Islands), and the Western Ghats–Sri Lanka. 'Naro Hills' does not correspond to any of these four named hotspots, making it the odd one out among the options.

Why the other options are wrong — (a) One of the four biodiversity hotspots recognised for India, valued for its exceptional plant endemism and altitude-driven habitat diversity.  (c) One of the four recognised hotspots touching India — its Indian portion is represented by the Nicobar Islands.  (d) The Western Ghats (paired with Sri Lanka) is one of the four recognised hotspots, known for its endemic amphibians, reptiles and flowering plants.

Concept: A 'biodiversity hotspot' (Conservation International's definition) is a region with at least 1,500 endemic vascular plant species that has already lost 70% or more of its original habitat. Of the world's roughly three dozen hotspots, four touch Indian territory: the Himalaya, Indo-Burma, Sundaland, and the Western Ghats–Sri Lanka.

State PCS 2023 Q3 — Environment & Ecology PYQ with Answer

State PCS 2023 Q3 — Environment & Ecology PYQ with Answer