Hot Spots of Biodiversity

 Biodiversity hotspots are areas that support natural ecosystems that are largely intact andwhere native species and communities associated with these ecosystems are well represented.They are also areas with a high diversity of locally endemic species, which are species thatare not found or are rarely found outside the hotspot.

 The concept of biodiversity hotspots was given by Norman Myers in two articles

‘’The Environmentalist’’ (1988 & 1990). In 1988 he first identified ten tropical forest

’’hotspots’’ characterized both by exceptional levels of plant endemism and byserious levels of habitat loss.

 In 1990, Myers added a further eight hotspots, including four Mediterranean typeecosystems.

 Conservation International (CI) adopted Myers’ hotspots as its institutional blueprintin 1989, and in 1996, the organization made the decision to undertake a reassessmentof the hotspots concept. Three years later an extensive global review was undertaken,which introduced quantitative thresholds for the designation of biodiversity hotspots.

According to CI, to qualify as a hotspot a region must meet two strict criteria:

 It must contain at least 1,500 species of vascular plants (> 0.5% of the world’s total)as endemics.

 It has to have lost at least 70% of its original habitat OR It must have 30% or less of its original natural vegetation

In 1999, CI identified 25 biodiversity hotspots in the book “Hotspots: Earth’s Biologically Richest and Most Endangered Terrestrial Ecoregions”. Collectively, these areas held as endemics about 44% of the world’s plants and 35% of terrestrial vertebrates in an area that formerly covered only 11.8% of the planet’s land surface. The habitat extent of this land area had been reduced by 87.8% of its original extent, such that this wealth of biodiversity was restricted to only 1.4% of Earth’s land surface. In 2005 CI published an updated titled “Hotspots Revisited: Earth’s Biologically Richest and Most Endangered Terrestrial Ecoregions”.

Popular posts from this blog

Difference between Exponential Growth and Logistic Growth

 Difference between Exponential Growth and Logistic Growth Exponential Growth vs. Logistic Growth The difference between exponential growth and logistic growth can be seen in terms of the growth of the population. Population growth is defined as an increase in the size of a population over a specific time period. The growth rate is calculated using two factors – the number of people and the unit of time. This rate is influenced by the rate at which birth takes place every year (also known as the birth rate). It is also influenced by the rate at which living beings die (also known as the death rate). The size of the population does not rise indefinitely because of the limitation of certain factors. These factors are water and nutrients, space and light as well as the existence of competitors. The explanation for population growth can be done using 2 growth models – exponential growth and logistic growth. Exponential growth and logistic growth are terms th...
Read more

UGC NET Environment Science

UGC – NET Environmental Science Material 1]  UGC Paper 2  Environmental Science (RS: 350      RS:450 ) 2] UGC Paper 2 EVS Numerical Solutions (RS: 150      RS: 250 ) Only RS:  500 / -    700 / -  (Google pay or phone pay) LIMITED TIME OFFER Share your Gmail id and Money transfer Screenshot  If you any question, contact on given below number (only whatsapp) *note: You are not able to download any material  Contact Link : Click Here Share with your friend and group
Read more

Argentine Ant- Facts

Image
Environmental DNA (eDNA) of Argentine Ant was successfully detected by researchers. It was detected in surface soil samples collected from Kobe Port Island and Kyoto’s Fushimi District.   Ø   What are the concerns? ü   Both the areas have faced huge destruction caused by this invasive species called Argentine Ant. ü   Invasive ant species causing severe damage across the world. So, its early detection and rapid elimination is essential to control their populations. ü   However, current pest control methods in inefficient. Methods includes direct detection techniques like visual observation, classification, capture, elimination, observation and evaluation which requires special knowledge, labour and time.   Ø   What researchers suggests? ü   Researchers suggests, issue of Argentine ant cannot be eradicated by focusing on one species. They found, eDNA analysis effective in providing a useful tool to observe and evaluate invasion, estab...
Read more