Question

How many hotspots of biodiversity in the world have been identified till date by Norman Myers?
A) 34
B) 43
C) 17
D) 25

Answer 1

Hint: Norman Myers wrote about the concept of biodiversity hotspots in the article - “The Environmentalist” in 1988 and 1990.

Complete answer:
1) A total of 34 hotspots in the world has been identified till date by Norman Myers.
2) Biodiversity hotspots are regions with a significantly high level of flora and fauna that are threatened by human intervention and activities. A hotspot is a natural habitat that has at least more than 0.5% of total vascular plants as endemic species and is under threat due to human activities. The 34 hotspots identified till date cover only 2.3% of total earth’s surface area but their habitat constitutes 77% of the world’s species. Biodiversity is very important as –
3) Many livelihoods, such as those of farmers, fishers, and timber workers, are completely dependent on biodiversity.
4) Biodiversity is important for the proper functioning and balance among ecosystems as they supply oxygen, clean air, and water, pollinate plants, control pests, and insects, participate in wastewater treatment, and many other ecosystem services.
5) It prevents the endemic threatened species from extinction.

So, the correct answer is ‘34’.

Note:
1) India is one of the world's most biodiverse regions. It consists of four biodiversity hotspots, namely, the Himalayas, the Western Ghats, the Indo-Burma region, and the Sunderland (Including Nicobar group of Islands). These 4 hotspots have numerous endemic species.
2) India is known for its rich biodiversity and has 23.39% of its geographical area covered by forests and trees.