Biodiversity Hotspots: Meaning and the 34 Hotspots (Norman Myers)
Biology · Biodiversity and Conservation · NEET
A biodiversity hotspot is a region with very high species richness and a high degree of endemism (species found only there and nowhere else). The concept was given by Norman Myers. Initially 25 hotspots were identified; later 9 more were added, so the world now has 34 hotspots. Memory hook: 25 + 9 = 34, "Myers Made 34."
A hotspot needs BOTH high species richness AND high endemism. World total = 25 + 9 = 34 hotspots (concept by Norman Myers); protecting them could reduce mass extinctions by nearly 30%.
Your doubts, answered
How many biodiversity hotspots are there in the world?
There are 34 biodiversity hotspots in the world. NCERT says 25 were identified first, then 9 more were added, giving a total of 34. For NEET, always write 34 as the current number; 25 is only the original (older) figure.
Who gave the concept of biodiversity hotspots?
The concept of biodiversity hotspots was given by Norman Myers. A common NEET question is 'How many hotspots have been identified till date by Norman Myers?' and the answer is 34.
What two things must a region have to be called a hotspot?
Two features are needed: (1) very high species richness (a large number of species), and (2) a high degree of endemism, meaning species that are confined to that region and are not found anywhere else. Both must be present together.
Is the Amazon rainforest a biodiversity hotspot?
No. The Amazon rainforest has the greatest overall biodiversity on Earth, but NCERT does not list it as a 'hotspot'. Hotspots are regions of very high species richness AND high endemism that are under threat. Do not confuse 'most biodiversity' (Amazon) with 'hotspot' (like the Western Ghats).
How much can protecting hotspots reduce extinction?
NCERT states that the species richness in hotspots is extremely high, and strict protection of these hotspots could reduce the ongoing mass extinctions by almost 30 per cent. Remember this exact figure: almost 30 per cent.
What is endemism in one line?
Endemism means species are confined to a particular region and found nowhere else. High endemism is a defining feature of every hotspot, which is why the Western Ghats species are called endemic.
⚠️ The NEET trap ✗ Writing 25 as the current number of hotspots, or calling the Amazon rainforest a biodiversity hotspot. ✓ The current total is 34 (25 original + 9 added). The Amazon has the greatest biodiversity but is NOT counted as a hotspot; true hotspots need high richness plus high endemism and are under threat. 🧠 25 vs 34 and Amazon vs hotspot are the two traps.
Real NEET questions
2016
How many hot spots of biodiversity in the world have been identified till date by Norman Myers?
A · 17
B · 25
C · 34 ✓
D · 43
Solution: NCERT (p.224) states that initially 25 biodiversity hotspots were identified, but 9 more were added later, bringing the total to 34. So 25 is the original figure, not the current count, and 17/43 do not match. The hotspot concept traces to Norman Myers. Answer: 34.
2023
Western Ghats have a large number of plant and animal species that are not found anywhere else. Which of the following terms will you use to notify such species?
A · Endemic ✓
B · Vulnerable
C · Threatened
D · Keystone
Solution: Species confined to a particular region and found nowhere else are called endemic. High endemism defines hotspots such as the Western Ghats. Vulnerable and threatened describe extinction risk, not geographic restriction; keystone means a species whose role strongly affects its ecosystem. Answer: Endemic.
Solved Biodiversity and Conservation NEET PYQs
Try the real previous-year questions from this chapter — each with the answer and a full solution.
What is the definition of a biodiversity hotspot for NEET?
A biodiversity hotspot is a region with very high levels of species richness and a high degree of endemism (species confined to that region and not found anywhere else).
How is the number 34 obtained?
25 hotspots were identified first, then 9 more were added: 25 + 9 = 34. This is the current world total in NCERT.
Who proposed the hotspot concept?
Norman Myers proposed the biodiversity hotspot concept.
Which Indian regions are biodiversity hotspots?
India has hotspots in the Western Ghats and Sri Lanka, the Himalaya, Indo-Burma, and Sundaland regions. These are covered in detail on the 'Hotspots of India' page.
Why are hotspots important for conservation?
Because their species richness is extremely high, strict protection of hotspots could reduce ongoing mass extinctions by almost 30 per cent.
