In general, greater biodiversity exists closer to Earth's equator than in areas closer to Earth's poles. What does this mean in terms of the number of species that are found in these regions?
Please help, they might as well have been speaking Japanese D:
More species of plants and animals live near the Equator than farther from this line.
Biodiversity generally increase from Earth's poles to the equator.This means that greater biodiversity in warm areas.
Why is biodiversity greater closer to the equator?More living things are able to survive in consistently warm temperature changes during a year.(McDougal Littell Georgia Biology,Stephen Nowick,page 5)
In general, the number of species found in regions closer to Earth's equator is higher compared to regions closer to Earth's poles. This is known as the latitudinal gradient of biodiversity. Now, let me explain why this is the case.
The Earth's equator receives more direct sunlight and has a more consistent climate throughout the year, which creates an environment that is favorable for a wide variety of plant and animal species to thrive. The abundant sunlight in these regions provides ample energy for photosynthesis, allowing plants to grow rapidly and supporting a diverse ecosystem.
Furthermore, the equatorial regions have a relatively stable and predictable climate with little seasonal variations. This stability provides a more constant environment for organisms, allowing them to adapt and specialize within specific niches. The combination of abundant energy and a stable environment promotes high species richness.
On the other hand, as we move closer to the poles, the amount of sunlight received decreases, and the climate becomes more extreme and less predictable. The polar regions experience long, dark winters and short summers, resulting in limited growing seasons for plants and a more challenging environment for animals to survive in.
The harsh conditions of the poles limit the number of species that can adapt and thrive. Only a few specialized organisms, such as polar bears, penguins, and certain types of algae and mosses, have evolved to survive and reproduce in these extreme environments.
To summarize, the higher biodiversity closer to Earth's equator is a result of the favorable climate, abundance of sunlight, and a stable environment that provides a wide range of habitats and resources for a diverse array of species to exist. As we move towards the poles, the environmental conditions become more challenging, resulting in fewer species adapted to survive in these regions.