IB Environmental systems and societies (ESS) - Old Topic 3.2E Key Biodiversity Hotspots and Areas Notes & Questions (HL)

IB Environmental systems and societies (ESS) - Old Topic 3.2E Key Biodiversity Hotspots and Areas Notes & Questions (HL) | RevisionDojo

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Biodiversity Hotspots: Small Areas, Outsized Value

Definition

Biodiversity hotspot

A biogeographic region that has exceptionally high levels of species richness and endemism but is also under significant threat from human activity.

A biodiversity hotspot is a region with exceptional species richness and endemism that is also under serious threat.
To qualify, a region must meet two strict criteria set by Myers and Conservation International.
1. It must contain at least 1,500 endemic vascular plant species, found nowhere else on Earth.
2. It must have lost at least 70% of its original native vegetation, so it is highly threatened.
About 36 hotspots are currently recognised worldwide.
Together they cover less than 3% of Earth's land yet hold over 50% of all plant species.

Example

The Tropical Andes, Sundaland, and Madagascar are three of the 36 recognised hotspots.

Why Hotspots Matter: Endemism Meets Threat

High endemism means many species live only there, so local loss equals global extinction.
Habitat destruction is the main pressure, driven by farming, logging, mining, and infrastructure.
Fragmentation isolates populations, cuts gene flow, and raises extinction risk.
This combination of irreplaceable species plus severe threat is why hotspots are conservation priorities.

Hint

Remember both criteria together: high plant endemism and heavy habitat loss.
A rich region that is still intact is not a hotspot.

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IB Environmental systems and societies (ESS) - Old 3.2E Key Biodiversity Hotspots and Areas Notes

Biodiversity Hotspots: Small Areas, Outsized Value

Why Hotspots Matter: Endemism Meets Threat

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Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit

Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident

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Biodiversity Hotspots: Small Areas, Outsized Value

Why Hotspots Matter: Endemism Meets Threat

anim nostrud sit dolore minim proident quis fugiat velit et eiusmod nulla quis nulla mollit dolor sunt culpa aliqua

Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit

Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident

Unlock the rest of this chapter with a free account