Final answer:
Large ecological regions characterized by specific vegetation and distinctive animal life are called biomes, which are distinct from biodiversity hotspots in that they are classified on a broader ecological scale without the immediate conservation focus. Option A.
Step-by-step explanation:
Large ecological regions with characteristic types of natural vegetation and distinctive animals are called biomes. A biome is a community of organisms that are grouped together based on the dominant plant types and similar climatic conditions in a large geographical area.
For instance, we have the tropical rainforest biome, the savanna biome, the desert biome, and others. Each biome is distinguished by specific temperature ranges and amounts of precipitation, dictating the types of vegetation and animal life that will thrive there.
Unlike a biodiversity hotspot which is focused on locations with a significant number of endemic species and needing conservation efforts, biomes are broader categories defining types of ecosystems based on climate and geography. Option A.