Question 1

What are the three levels of biodiversity?

Accepted Answer

The three levels are genetic diversity, species diversity and ecosystem diversity. Genetic diversity occurs within a species or population, species diversity concerns the number and variety of species, and ecosystem diversity concerns the variety of ecosystems in a region.

Question 2

Are differently coloured leaves evidence of different species?

Accepted Answer

Not necessarily. In this lab, the differently coloured leaves belong to one tree species and show variation within that species. They are used to visualize genetic and phenotypic variation, not to label separate species.

Question 3

What is a biodiversity hotspot?

Accepted Answer

A biodiversity hotspot is a biogeographic region with significant endemic flora and fauna and substantial habitat loss or degradation. It is not simply a place with the largest number of species, and a widely used quantitative criterion includes at least 1,500 endemic vascular plant species and loss of at least 70% of original vegetation.

Question 4

Which four biodiversity hotspots are associated with India in NCERT?

Accepted Answer

The four regions are the Western Ghats–Sri Lanka, Himalaya, Indo-Burma and Sundaland. The Nicobar Islands are shown as part of the Sundaland hotspot, while India is separately identified as one of the world's 17 megadiverse countries.

Question 5

Does an endemic species always become endangered?

Accepted Answer

No. Endemic means that a species occurs naturally nowhere else, but it does not by itself prove that the species is rare or endangered. Extinction risk depends on factors such as population size, habitat loss, isolation, environmental change and the species' ability to recover.

Biodiversity Levels & Hotspot Globe

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Practice