UPSC CSE Prelims
Biodiversity Hotspots Previous Year Questions (PYQs)

Detailed Explanation:

Answer: Option 4 — Protection of Western Ghats

Both the Gadgil Committee Report (2011) and Kasturirangan Committee Report (2012) are specifically related to the conservation and protection of the Western Ghats, one of the world's biodiversity hotspots. The Gadgil Committee (Western Ghats Ecology Expert Panel) recommended declaring the entire Western Ghats as an Ecologically Sensitive Area (ESA) with strict environmental regulations. However, facing resistance from state governments, the Kasturirangan Committee was formed to review these recommendations. It proposed a more moderate approach, designating only 37% of the Western Ghats as ESA, focusing on forested and uninhabited areas while allowing regulated development in other regions. Both reports address the balance between ecological conservation and developmental needs in the Western Ghats region.

Detailed Explanation:

✅ Statement 1 – Correct: Desert plants develop hard, waxy cuticles on leaves to create a waterproof barrier that prevents transpiration and water loss.
✅ Statement 2 – Correct: Reduced leaf size or complete leaf loss minimizes surface area exposed to heat and sunlight, thereby reducing water evaporation.
✅ Statement 3 – Correct: Leaf modification into thorns/spines drastically reduces transpiring surface area while providing protection from herbivores in arid environments.