UPSC Prelims 2009 Q148: Environment & Ecology – Biodiversity & Conservation
- (a) 1 only
- (b) 1 and 2 only
- (c) 2 and 3 only
- (d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (b) 1 and 2 only
Explanation
Checking which regions are Biodiversity Hotspots
Among these three regions, we need to verify their status under the globally recognized biodiversity hotspot classification.
| Region | Verdict | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Eastern Himalayas | Correct | The Eastern Himalayas is a globally recognized biodiversity hotspot, part of the broader Himalaya hotspot |
| 2. Eastern Mediterranean region | Correct | The broader Mediterranean Basin, including its eastern reaches, is recognized as a biodiversity hotspot |
| 3. North-western Australia | Incorrect | Australia's recognized hotspot is in the south-west, NOT the north-west, so this region does not qualify |
Biodiversity hotspot facts:
| Region | Hotspot status |
|---|---|
| Eastern Himalayas | Yes, part of the Himalaya hotspot |
| Mediterranean Basin (incl. eastern) | Yes |
| North-western Australia | No — Australia's hotspot is in the south-west |
Answer: (b) 1 and 2 only.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Region 2 (Eastern Mediterranean) is also a recognized hotspot, so '1 only' is incomplete.
- (b) CORRECT. Eastern Himalayas and the Eastern Mediterranean region are both recognized biodiversity hotspots; North-western Australia is not (the real Australian hotspot is in the south-west).
- (c) Incorrect. Region 1 (Eastern Himalayas) is also a recognized hotspot, so '2 and 3 only' wrongly excludes it.
- (d) Incorrect. Region 3 (North-western Australia) is not a recognized hotspot, so 'all three' cannot be correct.
Key point
The Eastern Himalayas and the Eastern Mediterranean region are both recognized biodiversity hotspots — but North-western Australia is NOT, since Australia's actual recognized hotspot lies in the south-west, not the north-west.
Remember
Eastern Himalayas and the Eastern Mediterranean region are biodiversity hotspots; North-western Australia is NOT (the real Australian hotspot is south-west).
Common mistakes
- Placing Australia's biodiversity hotspot in the north-west, when it is actually in the south-west.
- Not knowing the Mediterranean Basin's broader hotspot status, including its eastern parts.
- Assuming all three listed regions are automatically hotspots without checking each individually.
Exam tip
Australia's real biodiversity hotspot is in the SOUTH-WEST, not the north-west. The Eastern Himalayas and Eastern Mediterranean are both genuine hotspots.
Sources
- Conservation International — Biodiversity Hotspots: the criteria and the hotspots list
- Norman Myers et al. — "Biodiversity hotspots for conservation priorities", Nature, vol. 403 (2000)