Which one among the following is recognised as a biodiversity hot spot in India?

Introduction / Context:
The term biodiversity hot spot refers to a region that has a very high level of species richness and endemism, but is also under significant threat from human activities. Certain areas of the world, including parts of India, have been identified as global biodiversity hot spots. Exam questions often ask candidates to recognise which Indian regions have this status. This question focuses on identifying the correct hot spot among the given options.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The options are Western Ghat, Sundarban, Chilka Lagoon, and Eastern Ghat.
• The concept of hot spots is based on international criteria, including high endemism and threat levels.
• We assume familiarity with basic geography of India and the locations of these regions.
• We look for the region officially listed as a biodiversity hot spot.

Concept / Approach:
In India, two main regions have been internationally recognised as biodiversity hot spots: the Western Ghats and the Eastern Himalaya. The Western Ghats, extending along the western coast of India, are known for high species diversity and many endemic plants and animals. While Sundarban, Chilka Lagoon, and the Eastern Ghats are ecologically important, they are not officially designated as global biodiversity hot spots in the same sense as the Western Ghats. Therefore, the correct answer among the given options is Western Ghat, meaning the Western Ghats region.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall the definition of a biodiversity hot spot as used in conservation biology.Step 2: Remember that Western Ghats and Eastern Himalaya are the two major hot spots that lie partly or wholly in India.Step 3: Examine the options. Western Ghat corresponds to the Western Ghats hot spot.Step 4: Sundarban is a mangrove region of high ecological value, but it is not classified as a hot spot under the original global hot spot list.Step 5: Chilka Lagoon is a large brackish water lagoon in Odisha, important for birds but not a designated global hot spot.Step 6: Eastern Ghat is a hill range along the eastern coast, also ecologically significant but not listed as a global hot spot like the Western Ghats.Step 7: Therefore, the Western Ghat option is the correct choice.

Verification / Alternative check:
Conservation literature and environment textbooks frequently mention the Western Ghats as one of the global biodiversity hot spots. Many exam questions repeat this fact, pairing Western Ghats with Eastern Himalaya as examples from India. The other regions in the options may be Ramsar sites, national parks, or important ecological areas, but they are not labelled hot spots in the same global framework. This consistent classification confirms that Western Ghat is the correct answer.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Sundarban: It is a World Heritage Site and critical mangrove ecosystem but is not included in the global hot spot list in the same way as Western Ghats.

Chilka Lagoon: It is an important wetland and Ramsar site known for migratory birds but not recognised as a biodiversity hot spot.

Eastern Ghat: While biologically valuable, it has not been given the formal hot spot label that Western Ghats have.

Common Pitfalls:
Students sometimes confuse different conservation labels such as hot spots, World Heritage Sites, Ramsar sites, and biosphere reserves. This can lead to incorrect choices when several ecologically important areas are listed as options. To avoid this, it is useful to memorise specifically which regions are called hot spots, namely Western Ghats and Eastern Himalaya for India.

Final Answer:
The Western Ghat region is recognised as a biodiversity hot spot in India.