Question

A strict protection of biodiversity hotspots could reduce the ongoing mass extinction by almost:

• A. 20%
• B. 25%
• C. 30%
• D. 35%

Hint:

Biodiversity hotspots are critical for conserving Earth’s biological wealth.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Biodiversity hotspots are regions with high species richness and endemism that face significant threats. Protecting these areas is crucial for conservation efforts:

(A) 20% - Underestimation: While significant, this percentage doesn't reflect the full potential impact of hotspot protection.

(B) 30% - Correct: Scientific studies indicate that strict protection of biodiversity hotspots could reduce ongoing mass extinction by approximately 30% by safeguarding the most threatened species concentrations.

(C) 25% - Close but not optimal: This represents substantial impact but slightly underestimates the conservation potential.

(D) 35% - Overestimation: While hotspot protection is crucial, this percentage exceeds current scientific estimates of its potential impact.

The most accurate answer is (C) 30%, based on conservation biology research showing that protecting these critical areas (covering just 2.3% of Earth's surface but containing 50% of plant species and 42% of terrestrial vertebrates) could prevent about 30% of projected extinctions.