Question

The biodiversity hotspots of India includes
a. Eastern Himalayas
b. Western Himalayas
c. Jammu and Kashmir only
d. Both A and B

Answer 1

Hint: The biologically fertile and highly threatened region is called a biodiversity hotspot. The concept of the biodiversity hotspot was written by Norman Myers. The diverse ecosystem hosted by the biodiversity hotspot is 2.4% of the planet's surface. This will help to hold the habitat and prevent its loss.

Complete answer:
The biogeographic region which is regarded as an important reservoir of biodiversity is called a biodiversity hotspot. This is threatened by the destruction of habitat. There are approx. 25 rich areas around the world that consist of a biodiversity hotspot. These areas lost about 70% of their original habitat. In India, Eastern Himalayas and Western Himalayas are biodiversity hotspots.

Eastern Himalayas is the region of biodiversity hotspot which is very rich in diversity and endemism. The regions in this area include Nepal, Bhutan, Arunachal Pradesh, and Burma. In this hotspot, there are approx. 5800 species of plants out of which 2000 species are endemic in India. For example – rice, banana, ginger, chili, jute, sugarcane, etc.

Western Himalayas or the Western Ghats is the global biodiversity hotspot. The regions in this area include Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala. In India, this hotspot consists of 5584 indigenous plant species out of which 2242 are endemic. In the Western Ghats, the species of invertebrates are also there like ant species, butterfly species, land snails’ species, etc.

Jammu and Kashmir is the state which will come under the biodiversity hotspots of Himalayas. In Jammu and Kashmir, there is a great diversity of fauna.

Hence, the correct answer is option (D).

Note: The Himalayas are the tallest mountain region in the world. In the Himalayan region, most of the incredible animals found like the giant panda, wild water buffalo, etc. The biodiversity hotspot on the Himalayas is because of its deforestation and climate change. The biodiversity hotspot consists of various plant and animal species most of which are endemic.