The correct option is C Assertion is true and reason is false
Biodiversity refers to the variety and variability amongst the lifeforms at genetic, species or ecological levels. There are millions of different species of organisms existing on Earth and each life form contributes in some way to make Earth a habitable place.
Conservation of this vast diversity in biological forms is important not only for their significant contributions to mankind and the ecosystem but also of their intrinsic value as living beings. So all species need to be protected.
Habitat fragmentation, over exploitation of resources (skin of tiger), introduction of invasive alien species (Lantana) and co-extinction of species (Dodo and dodo tree) in obligatory relationships has led to an alarmingly rapid rate of biodiversity loss. Thus conservationists have identified the biodiversity hotspots for maximum protection and conservation of life forms.
Hotspots are areas with a high variety of species and endemism (confinement of a particular species to a specific geographical area only) but facing a rapid rate of biodiversity loss.
The reason behind this decision originated from the fact that it is not practically or economically feasible for some nations, especially the developing ones, to conserve all the biotic resources that they possess. Several international organizations including IUCN (the International Union for Conservation of Nature) and the Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF) are working in many ways to conserve biodiversity hotspots.
Thus, the assertion is true but the reason is false.