How many biodiversity hotspots are found in India?

Correct answer: (a) 4

Explanation

India has parts of four of the world's 36 biodiversity hotspots:

• the Himalaya;
• the Western Ghats (with Sri Lanka);
• Indo-Burma (North-East India, except the Himalayan part);
• Sundaland (the Nicobar Islands).

A hotspot must have at least 1,500 endemic plant species and must have lost at least 70% of its original habitat. Do not confuse them with India's 10 biogeographic zones or its place among the 17 megadiverse countries.