Florida Biology EOC Practice Test 2026 - Free Biology End-of-Course Practice Questions and Study Guide

A biodiversity hotspot is defined as a region that contains a significant amount of biodiversity and is under threat from human activities or environmental change. This concept emphasizes areas rich in plant and animal life that are facing serious risks, making conservation efforts essential in these locations. Biodiversity hotspots typically harbor a large number of endemic species—those that are not found anywhere else—and play a critical role in maintaining ecological balance and health.

The other options do not capture the complete essence of what a biodiversity hotspot entails. While a location that supports only endemic species is important for biodiversity, it does not address the aspect of threat that is central to the definition of a hotspot. Similarly, a place with a diverse range of climates may contribute to biodiversity, but it does not necessarily indicate that the biodiversity within it is under threat. Lastly, a zone free from invasive species is an ideal condition for biodiversity but does not inherently define a hotspot. The critical factor is the combination of rich, threatened biodiversity that characterizes a biodiversity hotspot.