UPSC Prelims 1996 · General Studies
Question 39: Environment and Ecology
Which one of the following regions of India is now regarded as an 'ecological hot spot'?
AnswerThe answer is (c).
The Western Ghats, together with Sri Lanka, form one of the world's biodiversity hotspots: they hold many endemic plants, amphibians and other species, and are under pressure from clearing and development. The key picks the Western Ghats from the options. Remember: India's hotspots are the Himalaya, Indo-Burma, the Western Ghats with Sri Lanka, and the Nicobar Islands (part of Sundaland).
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) The Western Himalayas are not the region the key picks as a hotspot.
- (b) The Eastern Himalayas lie within the Himalaya hotspot, so this also fits; the key prefers (c).
- (c) Right: the Western Ghats, with Sri Lanka, are a recognised biodiversity hotspot.
- (d) The Eastern Ghats are not listed as a hotspot.
Worth knowing: The Eastern Himalayas also lie inside the Himalaya biodiversity hotspot, so (b) fits as well; the key picks the Western Ghats.
Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 1996, General Studies. UPSC's own paper isn't online; the words are from a published compilation. The paper on upsc.gov.in.