Which one of the following is not a major characteristic feature of biodiversity hot spots

Options

A. Large number of species
B. Abundance of endemic species
C. Large number of exotic species
D. Destruction of habitat

Answer

To solve the question of which one of the following is not a major characteristic feature of biodiversity hot spots, we can follow these steps:

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understand the Definition of Biodiversity Hotspots**:
- Biodiversity hotspots are regions that are rich in endemic species and are experiencing significant habitat loss. To qualify as a biodiversity hotspot, an area must meet two criteria:
- It must contain at least 1,500 species of vascular plants as endemics.
- It must have lost at least 70% of its original habitat.

2. **Analyze the Given Options**:
- The options provided are:
1. Large number of species
2. Abundance of endemic species
3. Large number of exotic species
4. Destruction of habitat

3. **Evaluate Each Option**:
- **Large number of species**: This is a characteristic of biodiversity hotspots since they are rich in various species.
- **Abundance of endemic species**: This is also a key feature of biodiversity hotspots, as they are defined by having a high number of endemic species.
- **Large number of exotic species**: This is not a characteristic of biodiversity hotspots. Exotic species are those that are introduced from other regions and do not contribute to the native biodiversity of the area.
- **Destruction of habitat**: This is a characteristic of biodiversity hotspots, as they are often areas where habitat destruction has occurred.

4. **Identify the Correct Answer**:
- The option that is not a major characteristic feature of biodiversity hotspots is **"Large number of exotic species."**

### Final Answer:
The correct answer is **"Large number of exotic species."**

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