Western Ghats have come under the category of Hotspot because of

Options

A. High endemism
B. High elevation
C. Tropical climate
D. Evergreen forest.

Answer

**Step-by-Step Text Solution:**

1. **Understanding Biodiversity Hotspots**: Biodiversity hotspots are regions that are both rich in endemic species and experiencing significant habitat loss. 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.

2. **Introduction to the Western Ghats**: The Western Ghats, a mountain range along the western coast of India, is recognized as one of the eight "hottest hotspots" of biological diversity in the world. It is known for its rich biodiversity and unique ecosystems.

3. **High Endemism in the Western Ghats**: The Western Ghats are home to a large number of endemic species, meaning these species are not found anywhere else in the world. This includes various plants, animals, and other organisms that have evolved in this specific region.

4. **Significance of Endemism**: The high level of endemism in the Western Ghats contributes to its designation as a biodiversity hotspot. The presence of numerous unique species indicates a rich and diverse ecosystem that is crucial for ecological balance.

5. **Threats to Biodiversity**: Despite its rich biodiversity, the Western Ghats face threats from deforestation, urbanization, and climate change, which have led to habitat loss. This makes the conservation of this region even more critical.

6. **Conclusion**: Therefore, the Western Ghats have come under the category of biodiversity hotspots primarily due to their high endemism, which is a key criterion for such classification.

**Final Answer**: The Western Ghats have come under the category of hotspot because of **high endemism**.

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