Biodiversity hotspots

Definition

Biodiversity hotspots are regions with exceptionally high levels of species richness and endemism that are under significant threat from human activities. These areas are critical for conservation efforts due to their unique and diverse ecosystems.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. There are 36 recognized biodiversity hotspots globally.
2. To qualify as a hotspot, a region must have at least 1,500 species of vascular plants as endemics and must have lost at least 70% of its original habitat.
3. Hotspots cover only about 2.3% of Earth's land surface but contain more than half of the world's plant species as endemics.
4. Biodiversity hotspots are often in tropical regions, such as the Amazon Basin and Madagascar.
5. Conserving these areas is vital to protect many species from extinction and maintain ecological balance.

Review Questions

• What criteria must a region meet to be classified as a biodiversity hotspot?
• How much of Earth's land surface do biodiversity hotspots cover?
• Why are biodiversity hotspots crucial for conservation efforts?

Related terms

Endemism: The ecological state where species are native to a single defined geographic location.

Habitat Loss: The process by which natural habitat becomes incapable of supporting its native species.

Conservation Biology: A field focused on understanding and protecting Earth's biological diversity.