Read the following statements and select the correct ones.
(i) Hotspots are those specific regions of megabiodiversity nations which have large number of endemic species. (ii) The Asiatic lion is endemic to Gir forests in Gujarat (iii) Ex-situ conservation involves conservation of plants and animals in their natural habitat. (iv) Silent Valley National Park is located in the Nilgiri Hills of Tamil Nadu.

Options

A. (i) and (ii) only
B. (ii) and (iii) only
C. (i) and (iv) only
D. (i) (i), (iii) and (iv)

Explanation

To determine which statements are correct, let's analyze each one step by step:

1. **Statement (i)**: "Hotspots are those specific regions of megabiodiversity nations which have large number of endemic species."
- **Analysis**: This statement is correct. Biodiversity hotspots are indeed regions that are rich in endemic species and have significant levels of biodiversity. India is recognized as a megabiodiversity nation with several hotspots.

2. **Statement (ii)**: "The Asiatic lion is endemic to Gir forests in Gujarat."
- **Analysis**: This statement is also correct. The Asiatic lion is indeed found only in the Gir Forest National Park in Gujarat, making it an endemic species to that region.

3. **Statement (iii)**: "Ex-situ conservation involves conservation of plants and animals in their natural habitat."
- **Analysis**: This statement is incorrect. Ex-situ conservation refers to the conservation of species outside their natural habitats, such as in zoos or botanical gardens. The conservation of species in their natural habitat is known as in-situ conservation.

4. **Statement (iv)**: "Silent Valley National Park is located in the Nilgiri Hills of Tamil Nadu."
- **Analysis**: This statement is incorrect. Silent Valley National Park is actually located in Kerala, not Tamil Nadu. While it is near the Nilgiri Hills, it does not lie within Tamil Nadu.

**Final Conclusion**: The correct statements are (i) and (ii).