Estimating Global Species Diversity — NEET Biology

Correct answer: A — S1, S2, and S5 are correct

Let's evaluate each statement: S1: India indeed accounts for 2.4% of the world's land area and has an impressive 8.1% share of global species diversity, which designates it as one of the 12 mega-diversity countries. This statement is correct. S2: According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) (2004), the total number of plant and animal species described so far is slightly more than 1.5 million. This statement is correct. S3: Among animals, insects are the most species-rich taxonomic group, making up more than 70% of the total, not less than 50%. This statement is incorrect. S4: India has recorded nearly 45,000 species of plants and twice as many animal species. This statement is correct. S5: Robert May's conservative and scientifically sound estimate places the global species diversity at about 7 million. However, an overwhelmingly large proportion of species waiting to be discovered are in the tropics, not temperate regions. This statement is incorrect. Therefore, statements S1, S2, and S4 are correct. The final answer is A because it correctly identifies S1, S2, and S4 as true based on NCERT information, while S3 and S5 contain inaccuracies regarding insect percentages and distribution of undiscovered species respectively.