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• Hot-spots of biodiversity are regions rich in species diversity and endemism but
under severe threat.
• India has four major hot-spots: Himalaya, Indo-Burma, Indo-Malayan (Nicobar
Islands), and Western Ghats.
• Major threats to biodiversity include habitat loss, over-exploitation, pollution,
climate change, invasive species, deforestation, and illegal wildlife trade.
• Protecting hot-spots is crucial because they are the treasure houses of life on Earth,
supporting ecological balance, human survival, and cultural heritage.
In short, biodiversity hot-spots are like jewels of nature, but they are fragile and
endangered. Safeguarding them is not just about saving plants and animals—it’s about
saving ourselves.
SECTION-C
5. What are natural disasters ? What do you understand by Disaster Management ?
Ans: What are Natural Disasters?
Imagine you are living your normal life—going to school, working, spending time with
family—and suddenly, something powerful and uncontrollable happens in nature that
disrupts everything. This unexpected and harmful event is called a natural disaster.
In simple words, natural disasters are extreme events caused by natural forces that lead to
loss of life, damage to property, and destruction of the environment.
These events are not caused directly by humans, but human actions (like deforestation or
pollution) can sometimes make them worse.
Examples of Natural Disasters
Let’s look at some common types:
• Earthquakes: Sudden shaking of the ground caused by movements in the Earth’s
crust. Buildings can collapse, and people may get trapped.
• Floods: When excessive rain or overflowing rivers cover land with water, damaging
homes, crops, and infrastructure.
• Cyclones: Strong storms with heavy winds and rain, mostly affecting coastal areas.
• Droughts: Long periods without rain, leading to water shortages and crop failure.
• Landslides: When rocks and soil slide down a slope, often due to heavy rain or
earthquakes.
• Tsunamis: Giant sea waves usually caused by underwater earthquakes.
Why Do Natural Disasters Occur?