Which of the following is considered a hot-spot of biodiversity in India?

Options

A. (a) Eastern Ghats
B. (b) Aravalli Hills
C. (c) Western Ghats
D. (d) Indo-Gangetic Plain

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding Biodiversity Hotspots**: Biodiversity hotspots are regions that are rich in species diversity but are also under threat from human activities. They are characterized by a significant number of endemic species, meaning species that are not found anywhere else in the world.

2. **Criteria for Hotspots**: To qualify as a biodiversity hotspot, a region must have at least 1,500 species of vascular plants as endemics and must have lost at least 70% of its original habitat.

3. **Global Context**: There are 34 recognized biodiversity hotspots globally, as declared by organizations like UNESCO.

4. **Biodiversity Hotspots in India**: India is home to four recognized biodiversity hotspots:
- The Eastern Himalayas
- The Indo-Burman region
- The Western Ghats
- Sundaland (Andaman and Nicobar Islands)

5. **Analyzing the Options**: The question provides options to identify which one is a biodiversity hotspot in India:
- A. Eastern Ghats
- B. Aravalli Hills
- C. Western Ghats
- D. Gangetic Plains

6. **Identifying the Correct Answer**:
- **Eastern Ghats**: Not recognized as a hotspot.
- **Aravalli Hills**: Not recognized as a hotspot.
- **Western Ghats**: Recognized as one of the biodiversity hotspots in India.
- **Gangetic Plains**: Not recognized as a hotspot.

7. **Conclusion**: The correct answer is **C. Western Ghats**, as it is one of the four biodiversity hotspots in India.

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