UPSC Prelims 2010 Q20: Environment & Ecology – Biodiversity & Conservation
- (a) 1 only
- (b) 2 only
- (c) Both 1 and 2
- (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Explanation
Checking two claims about biodiversity hotspots
Biodiversity hotspots are specific regions with exceptional species richness and high threat levels.
| Statement | Verdict | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Biodiversity hotspots are located only in tropical regions | Incorrect | Hotspots exist in various climate zones globally, including Mediterranean-type ecosystems (e.g., the Mediterranean Basin, California), not just tropical areas |
| 2. India has four hotspots: Eastern Himalayas, Western Himalayas, Western Ghats, Andaman & Nicobar | Incorrect | India's recognized hotspots are the Himalayas (treated together, not split into 'Eastern' and 'Western' as separate hotspots), Western Ghats-Sri Lanka, Indo-Burma, and Sundaland — the specific four named in this statement do not match the officially recognized list |
India's actual biodiversity hotspots:
| Point | Detail |
|---|---|
| Recognized hotspots touching India | Himalayas, Western Ghats-Sri Lanka, Indo-Burma, Sundaland |
| Not a hotspot | Andaman & Nicobar Islands are not listed as a separate hotspot |
| Hotspots globally | Found in tropical AND non-tropical regions (e.g., Mediterranean Basin) |
Answer: (d) Neither 1 nor 2.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Hotspots exist outside the tropics too (e.g., Mediterranean Basin), so statement 1 is false.
- (b) Incorrect. The specific four hotspots named in statement 2 do not match India's officially recognized hotspot list.
- (c) Incorrect. Since neither statement is accurate, 'both' cannot be correct.
- (d) CORRECT. Hotspots are not tropics-only, and the named list of four Indian hotspots in statement 2 does not match the actual recognized ones.
Key point
Biodiversity hotspots exist beyond the tropics (e.g., Mediterranean-type regions), and India's actual recognized hotspots are the Himalayas, Western Ghats-Sri Lanka, Indo-Burma, and Sundaland — NOT the specific 'Eastern/Western Himalayas + Andaman & Nicobar' list given.
Remember
Biodiversity hotspots exist beyond the tropics. India's actual hotspots: Himalayas, Western Ghats-Sri Lanka, Indo-Burma, Sundaland — not the list in statement 2.
Common mistakes
- Assuming all biodiversity hotspots are tropical, missing non-tropical examples like the Mediterranean Basin.
- Misremembering India's exact hotspot list, especially treating the Himalayas as two separate hotspots or including Andaman & Nicobar.
- Not keeping the official Conservation International hotspot classification precise when answering.
Exam tip
India's real hotspots: Himalayas, Western Ghats-Sri Lanka, Indo-Burma, Sundaland. Andaman & Nicobar and split Eastern/Western Himalayas are NOT on the official list.
Sources
- Conservation International — Biodiversity Hotspots: the criteria and the hotspots list
- Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India — India's Fourth National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity (2009)