Question

Describe the latitudinal trend of biodiversity. Discuss the possible causes of this phenomenon. (please use examples if possible and explain in detail)

Answer 1

There is an increase in biodiversity (species richness) as one moves from the poles to the equator. This is referred to as latitude diversity gradient. The lower latitude has more species than that of the higher latitude. The availability of more amount of sunlight which results in more amount of energy provided and more productivity at equator is responsible for its biodiversity. And further as we move to upper latitudes, the air becomes thinner and more colder so survival of animals become difficult. The amazonian rainforest and the tropical rainforest in madagascar are example of high biodiversity and both lie in the tropics.