Question

Define the biodiversity hotspot.

Hint:

Biodiversity hotspots are often small in size but have a large proportion of the world's species. Protecting them is essential for preserving global biodiversity. These areas are often at risk due to human activities like deforestation and urbanization.

Answer 1

A biodiversity hotspot is a biogeographic region that is both a significant reservoir of biodiversity and is under threat from human activities. These areas are recognized for their exceptional concentration of endemic species (species that are found nowhere else on Earth) but are also undergoing significant environmental degradation. In 1988, Norman Myers first coined the term "biodiversity hotspot," and it is now widely used in conservation science. According to Conservation International, a region qualifies as a biodiversity hotspot if it meets the following two criteria: \begin{enumerate} \item Endemism Criterion: The region must contain at least 1,500 species of vascular plants as endemics. Endemic species are critical for maintaining local ecological balance and represent unique evolutionary developments. \item Threatened Habitat Criterion: The region must have lost at least 70% of its original habitat due to human activities such as deforestation, agriculture, urbanization, and climate change. \end{enumerate} These hotspots are crucial for conserving global biodiversity because they are home to a disproportionately high number of species but are also highly vulnerable to habitat destruction. Despite covering only about 2.3% of the Earth's land surface, hotspots account for more than half of the world's plant species and nearly 43% of bird, mammal, reptile, and amphibian species. Examples of Biodiversity Hotspots:
1. The Amazon Rainforest: Located in South America, it is home to a staggering variety of species, many of which are yet to be discovered. However, deforestation and climate change pose severe threats to its ecosystems.
2. Sundaland: This hotspot includes Borneo and Sumatra in Southeast Asia, which are rich in species like the orangutan and Sumatran tiger. Deforestation and illegal wildlife trade are major concerns here.