Q. Which of the following criteria must be fulfilled for a region to be designated as a ‘biodiversity hotspot’ on the world hotspots map?
  1. The region must contain at least 0.5 percent or 1,500 species of vascular plants as endemic species.
  2. The region must have lost at least 70 percent of its primary vegetation.
Select the correct option from the codes given below:

Answer: Both 1 and 2
Notes: A ‘biodiversity hotspot’ must meet both criteria: (1) at least 0.5% or 1,500 endemic species of vascular plants; (2) loss of at least 70% of its original or primary vegetation. This definition was given by Norman Myers in 2000 and is widely accepted for global hotspot identification, thus both statements are correct.