Understanding Biodiversity Statements and Hotspots

The question asks us to identify the statement about biodiversity that is NOT correct. Let's carefully examine each statement provided.

Analyzing Statement 1: Coining the Term 'Biodiversity'

The first statement says that the term ‘biodiversity’ was coined by Walter G. Rosen in 1986. Historical records show that the term "biological diversity" was widely used earlier, but Walter G. Rosen is credited with coining the shortened term "biodiversity" in 1986 for the first National Forum on Biological Diversity, organized by the National Research Council (NRC).

Based on this information, statement 1 appears to be correct.

Analyzing Statement 2: Coining the Term 'Biodiversity Hotspots'

The second statement claims that the term ‘biodiversity hotspots’ was coined by Norman Myers in 1988. Norman Myers, a British environmental scientist, introduced the concept of "hotspots" in a paper published in 1988, highlighting areas with high levels of endemic species that were under significant threat. His work laid the foundation for the concept of biodiversity hotspots as we know it today.

Therefore, statement 2 is also correct.

Analyzing Statement 3: Definition of Biodiversity Hotspots

The third statement describes regions having the richest biodiversity as ‘biodiversity hotspots’. While biodiversity hotspots are indeed regions with high biodiversity, their definition is more specific. According to Conservation International, a region must meet two strict criteria to qualify as a biodiversity hotspot:

• It must have at least 1,500 vascular plants as endemics (meaning they are found nowhere else on Earth).
• It must have 30% or less of its original natural vegetation remaining (indicating it is under significant threat).

So, while they are rich in biodiversity, particularly in unique species (endemism), the "richest" regions might also refer to areas like tropical rainforests or coral reefs based purely on species count. However, the term 'biodiversity hotspots' specifically refers to areas meeting the combined criteria of high endemism and high threat. In the context of conservation priority, these threatened, species-rich, and highly endemic regions are indeed considered critical areas of biodiversity.

Considering the common understanding and definition used in conservation biology, statement 3 is generally accepted as correct in describing a key characteristic of these regions.

Analyzing Statement 4: Number of Biodiversity Hotspots

The fourth statement asserts that more than 100 hotspots of biodiversity are identified in the world. Let's look at the current number of officially recognized biodiversity hotspots. Conservation International, which has been a key organization in defining and mapping these regions, currently recognizes 36 biodiversity hotspots across the globe.

Since the number of identified biodiversity hotspots is significantly less than 100 (it is 36 as of recent assessments), this statement is incorrect.

Conclusion on the Statements

Comparing our analysis with the statements:

• Statement 1: Correct
• Statement 2: Correct
• Statement 3: Correct (in the context of conservation priority and characteristics)
• Statement 4: Incorrect

The question asks for the statement that is NOT correct. Based on our analysis, statement 4 is the incorrect one.

Summary Table of Statements

Therefore, the statement that is not correct is that more than 100 hotspots of biodiversity are identified in the world.

Revision Table: Key Biodiversity Concepts

Additional Information on Global Biodiversity Hotspots

Biodiversity hotspots are crucial areas for conservation efforts because they contain a large proportion of the world's species, many of which are found nowhere else, and are facing significant threats. The 36 identified hotspots cover only 2.5% of the Earth's land surface but are home to more than half of the world's plant species as endemics and nearly 43% of bird, mammal, reptile, and amphibian species as endemics.

Examples of biodiversity hotspots include the Mediterranean Basin, the Horn of Africa, the Eastern Arc Mountains of Tanzania and Kenya, the Andes Mountains, and the islands of the Caribbean.