Biology · Biodiversity and Conservation · NEET
NCERT names THREE hotspots that cover India's exceptionally biodiversity-rich regions: Western Ghats and Sri Lanka, Indo-Burma, and Himalaya. For NEET, remember these three exactly as the book lists them. The total number of hotspots in the whole world is 34 (25 identified first, then 9 more added).
The NCERT Class 12 chapter does NOT list Sundaland among India's hotspots. It names only three for India: Western Ghats and Sri Lanka, Indo-Burma, and Himalaya. Sundaland is a global hotspot (mainly Southeast Asia and the Nicobar Islands), but for the NEET NCERT answer, stick to the three the textbook gives and do not add Sundaland.
The Eastern Ghats are NOT a biodiversity hotspot in NCERT. Only the Western Ghats (with Sri Lanka) qualify. NCERT points out that the Western Ghats have far greater amphibian species diversity than the Eastern Ghats, which is why the Western Ghats show the high species richness and endemism a hotspot needs.
A hotspot needs BOTH very high species richness AND a high degree of endemism (species found nowhere else). It is also a region of accelerated habitat loss. Just having many species is not enough; the endemism and threat parts are what make it a hotspot. Strict protection of hotspots could cut ongoing mass extinctions by almost 30 per cent.
The biodiversity hotspot idea is linked to Norman Myers. Worldwide, 25 hotspots were identified first, then 9 more were added, giving a total of 34 hotspots. India's share of that total is the three hotspots that cover its territory.
How many hot spots of biodiversity in the world have been identified till date by Norman Myers?
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?
Try the real previous-year questions from this chapter — each with the answer and a full solution.
Western Ghats and Sri Lanka, Indo-Burma, and Himalaya. These are the three NCERT names for India.
34 in total. First 25 were identified, then 9 more were added.
Yes. The Himalaya is one of the three hotspots that cover India's biodiversity-rich regions, along with the Western Ghats and Indo-Burma.
They have very high species richness and endemism but also fast habitat loss. NCERT says strict protection of these hotspots could reduce ongoing mass extinctions by almost 30 per cent.
No. For the NEET NCERT answer, India has only three hotspots: Western Ghats and Sri Lanka, Indo-Burma, and Himalaya. Do not add Sundaland.
