Question

India contributes to __A__ % of the total global biodiversity and is considered to be one of the __B__ mega-biodiversity centres of the earth.

• A. A - 8.1, 8
• B. A - 2.4, 3
• C. A - 1.8, 4
• D. A - 8.1, 12

Answer 1

The correct option is D A - 8.1, 12

India is considered to be one of the 12 mega diversity centres of the world. This is because India covers only 2.4% of the total landmass of the world but 8.1% of the total number of species identified across the world belongs to India. The total number of animal species in India is estimated to be around 90000 and that of plant species is around 45000.

Taking Robert May’s estimate (that only 22% of the world’s existing species have been identified so far) into consideration, it is estimated that around 1,00,000 plant species and 3,00,000 animal species are yet to be discovered in India.