Which statement correctly describes a biodiversity hotspot?

A biodiversity hotspot is accurately described as an area rich in species that requires protection. This concept is based on specific criteria, which include having a high number of endemic species—those that are not found anywhere else—and experiencing significant habitat loss. Hotspots are crucial for conservation efforts because they often harbor a large percentage of the world's biodiversity within a relatively small area, making them critical targets for environmental protection and sustainable management.

In contrast, while technological infrastructure, limited natural resources, and industrial growth may influence the ecological dynamics of a region, they do not adequately capture the essence of a biodiversity hotspot, which is fundamentally focused on the preservation of unique and diverse biological species in the face of threats such as habitat degradation or climate change.