| 1. | 2.1 million | 2. | 7 million | 
| 3. | 15 million | 4. | 50 million | 
| Assertion (A): | When certain exotic species are introduced into a geographical area, they become invasive and start spreading fast. | 
| Reason (R): | These exotic species invariably reproduce by asexual means. | 
| 1. | Both (A) and (R) are True and (R) correctly explains (A) | 
| 2. | Both (A) and (R) are True but (R) does not correctly explain (A) | 
| 3. | (A) is True, (R) is False | 
| 4. | (A) is False, (R) is False | 
| 1. | The natural extinction of species as a result of environmental changes over millions of years. | 
| 2. | The rapid loss of species in a relatively short period, primarily due to human activities. | 
| 3. | A decrease in biodiversity due to the natural evolution of species. | 
| 4. | The migration of species from their native habitats to new areas, leading to a decrease in local biodiversity. | 
| Assertion (A): | A region is designated as a biodiversity hotspot if it has rich species diversity and high degree of endemism. | 
| Reason (R): | Biodiversity hotspots are areas with high biodiversity that are under no threat from human activities. | 
| 1. | Both (A) and (R) are True and (R) is the correct explanation of (A). | 
| 2. | Both (A) and (R) are True but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A). | 
| 3. | (A) is True but (R) is False. | 
| 4. | Both (A) and (R) are False. |