Correct option is A
The Andaman and Nicobar archipelago is a part of two important biodiversity hotspots:
The Andaman Islands fall under the Indo-Burma hotspot. This hotspot covers parts of India, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, and Cambodia. The Andaman Islands have a rich diversity of species, many of which are endemic to the region.
The Nicobar Islands are part of the Sundaland hotspot, which includes areas in Southeast Asia such as Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines. The Nicobar Islands also host many unique species and are significant for their biodiversity.
Thus, the correct pairing of the biodiversity hotspots for the Andaman and Nicobar archipelago is Andaman - Indo-Burma; Nicobar - Sundaland.
Information Booster:
- High Endemism: Both Indo-Burma and Sundaland are known for their high levels of endemic species—species that are found only in these regions and nowhere else. This is due to the islands' geographic isolation and specific climatic and ecological conditions that encourage the evolution of unique species.
- Threatened Ecosystems: These hotspots are also considered critical for conservation due to the loss of biodiversity from deforestation, habitat destruction, and climate change. Both regions are under threat from human activity, which has prompted global conservation efforts.
- Ecological Importance: The Indo-Burma and Sundaland hotspots are crucial for maintaining global biodiversity, especially in terms of plant diversity, marine life, and bird species. The conservation of these hotspots is vital for the health of the planet’s ecosystems.
