Select the correct statement about biodiversity

Options

A. The desert areas of Rajasthan and Gujarat have a very high level of desert animal species as well as numerous rare animals.
B. Large scale planting of Bt-cotton has no adverse ef- fect on biodiversity.
C. Western Ghats have a very high degree of species richness and endemism.
D. Conservation of biodivftrsity is just a fad pursued by

Answer

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding Biodiversity**:
- Biodiversity refers to the variety of life in a particular habitat or ecosystem. It includes the number of species present in a specific area.

2. **Evaluating the Statements**:
- **Statement A**: "The desert area of Rajasthan and Gujarat have very high levels of desert animal species as well as numerous rare animals."
- This statement is incorrect. Deserts typically have low biodiversity due to harsh environmental conditions, resulting in fewer species of animals.

- **Statement B**: "Large-scale planting of BT cotton has no adverse effect on biodiversity."
- This statement is also incorrect. BT cotton is genetically modified and can negatively impact biodiversity by potentially wiping out natural cotton varieties and creating new insect species, which can disrupt the ecosystem.

- **Statement C**: "Western Ghats have a very high degree of species richness and endemism."
- This statement is correct. The Western Ghats are known for their high biodiversity, including many species that are endemic, meaning they are found nowhere else in the world.

- **Statement D**: "Conservation of biodiversity is just a focus of developed countries."
- This statement is incorrect. Biodiversity conservation is a global effort, and developing countries like India also play a significant role in these conservation efforts.

3. **Conclusion**:
- The only correct statement among the options provided is Statement C, which highlights the Western Ghats' high species richness and endemism.

### Final Answer:
The correct statement about biodiversity is: **"Western Ghats have a very high degree of species richness and endemism."**

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