With reference to Biodiversity Hotspots, consider the following statements: 1. To qualify as a biodiversity hotspot, a region must have at least 1,500 species of vascular plants as endemics and must have lost at least 70% of its original habitat. 2. There are 36 biodiversity hotspots in the world. 3. Among the world’s “hottest hotspots”, Indo-Burma and Western Ghats/Sri Lanka are included. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? |ForumIAS

[A] 1 and 2 only

[B] 2 and 3 only

[C] 1 and 3 only

[D] 1, 2 and 3

Answer: D

Notes:

Explanation:

A biodiversity hotspot must meet two criteria — ≥1,500 vascular plant species as endemics and ≥70% habitat loss.
There are 36 biodiversity hotspots worldwide, covering only about 2.4% of Earth’s land surface, yet they harbour more than half of all endemic plant species and nearly 43% of endemic bird, mammal, reptile, and amphibian species.
Among the 8 “hottest hotspots” identified globally, Indo-Burma and Western Ghats/Sri Lanka are included, along with Madagascar, the Philippines, Sundaland, Brazil’s Atlantic Forest, the Caribbean, and the Eastern Arc/Coastal Forests of Tanzania-Kenya.

Source: Environment (N.C.E.R.T)