Question

Which one of the following is not a major characteristic feature of biodiversity hotspots?

• A. Large number of species
• B. Mostly located in the polar regions
• C. Mostly located in the tropics
• D. Abundance of endemic species

Answer 1

The correct option is B Mostly located in the polar regions

Introduction to biodiversity hotspot:

Biodiversity hotspots are areas that are facing a rapid rate of biodiversity loss and have a high degree of species richness and endemism.

Large number of species:

Hotspots have high species richness, i.e, they have a large number of different species present.

The abundance of endemic species:

Hot spots are characterized by the presence of endemic species. Endemic species are organisms native to a single defined geographic location. Examples include the Asiatic lion in the Gir forest.

Hotspots are mostly located in the tropics:

Hotspots are located in the tropics. Species diversity increases as we move from the poles toward the equator. Thus, The tropical regions have more variety in the availability of species than the polar or temperate regions. India has three biodiversity hotspots - the Himalayas, Western Ghats, and North-East India.

Polar regions:

As species diversity is highest in the tropics and decreases towards the poles, most biodiversity hotspots are located in the tropics and not in the polar regions. This is due to the extreme climates present in the polar regions.

Final answer

d. Mostly located in the polar regions