Rina Mae S.

Lawi-an BSA-3

MWF 3:30 pm – 4:30 pm Offer Code: 6385

1. Explain what is ENDEMISM? Give two examples of endemic species and specify the

place.

Endemism is the condition of being confined in geographical distribution to a particular

area or region which can be identified in many ways. Endemism is an ecological classification

about describing the range or distribution of a species, or group of species. The term endemism

can be associated to so many things which includes diseases and natural phenomenon.

Endemic species experience the same threats to their existence regardless of how they

came to be restricted in a particular area. The smaller the region, the more dire the threat toward

the survival of the species. Any action that reduces the size of the land, or divides it in any way

can significantly affect the normal patterns of the endemic species.

For example, Endemic species are tortoises in Galápagos and polar bears in Arctic.

2. Explain the characteristics of a BIODIVERSITY HOTSPOT. Give two places declared

as biodiversity hotspot.

There are two strict criteria for an area to be a biodiversity hotspot. Firstly, it must contain

at least 1,500 species of vascular plants found nowhere else on Earth which is known as endemic

species. This also means that a biodiversity hotspot is irreplaceable. Secondly, the area has lost
at least 70 percent of its primary native vegetation. Some of the places which is declared as

biodiversity hotspot are New Caledonia and Coastal Forests of Africa.

3. Recommend/suggest possible solutions to prevent or minimize a biodiversity hotspot.

My suggestions for possible solutions to prevent or minimize a biodiversity hotspot are

the following:

✓ Restoring the environment, we had before. We need to fix the habitat loss. We should

plant more primary native vegetation and always take good care of the plants. For me,

balance is the key.

✓ We should strengthen the laws in preserving our biodiversity. We have laws for

environment but imposing it is not strong enough. This allows minimizes the possibility

of people harming the environment.

✓ There should be awareness about biodiversity hotspots for the people to be aware why

is there a need to conserve natural resources and wildlife. Also, people must understand,

what effects that nature could do to people after being harmed.

✓ We should recycle materials that are recyclable especially those plastic trashes that are

so harmful to our ozone layer when being burned. We must only purchase eco-friendly

appliances so as not to harm our environment.

✓ We should take time to cut unneeded grasses in the backyard so as not to invade the

native vegetation.