Ques. 1AIPMT 2012 (Mains)
Select the correct statement about biodiversity :
- Western Ghats have a very high degree of species richness and endemism
- The desert areas of Rajasthan and Gujarat have a very high level of desert animal species as well as numerous rare animals
- Large scale planting of Bt cotton has no adverse effect on biodiversity
- Conservation of biodiversity is just a fad pursued by the developed countries
Answer
(1) Western Ghats have a very high degree of species richness and endemism
Solution
As per NCERT, biodiversity hotspots are regions with very high levels of species richness and high degree of endemism; India's Western Ghats–Sri Lanka is one of them.
∵ Desert areas have low species diversity, large-scale monoculture of Bt cotton can affect non-target organisms, and conservation is a global concern (not a fad), the other statements are wrong.
Answer: (1)