What is a biodiversity 'hotspot'? a. an area where an all-taxon survey is under way b. an area where an environmental sequencing study has been completed c. a habitat with high NPP d. an area with high species richness and high threat to those species

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the term 'biodiversity hotspot'. It refers to regions that are both rich in endemic species and have experienced significant habitat loss.
2. Analyze the options given in the question to determine which one aligns with the definition of a biodiversity hotspot.
3. Option 'a' and 'b' refer to specific types of studies and do not directly relate to the richness or threat level to species.
4. Option 'c' mentions 'NPP' (Net Primary Productivity), which is a measure of the rate of photosynthesis minus the rate of respiration in a given area. While it indicates a productive area, it does not necessarily imply high species richness or threat.
5. Option 'd' directly mentions both high species richness and a high threat to those species, aligning with the definition of a biodiversity hotspot.

Key Concepts

Biodiversity Hotspot

A biodiversity hotspot is a biogeographic region that is both rich in endemic species and significantly threatened by human activities. To qualify as a hotspot, a region must contain at least 1,500 species of vascular plants as endemics and have lost at least 70% of its original habitat. This concept is crucial for conservation efforts, as it identifies areas that are priorities for protecting biodiversity.

Species Richness

Species richness refers to the number of different species present in a given area. It is a key component of biodiversity and is often used to assess the health of an ecosystem. High species richness can indicate a stable and resilient ecosystem, while low richness may suggest environmental stress or degradation.

Threat to Species

Threat to species encompasses various factors that endanger the survival of species, including habitat destruction, climate change, pollution, and invasive species. Understanding these threats is essential for conservation biology, as it helps prioritize actions to protect vulnerable species and their habitats, particularly in biodiversity hotspots where the risk is elevated.