2024 Biodiversity and ConservationLatitudinal Gradient in Species Richness Medium Question 10 of 95 in Biodiversity and Conservation

Tropical regions show greatest level of species richness because A. Tropical latitudes have remained relatively undisturbed for millions of years, hence more time was available for species diversification. B. Tropical environments are more seasonal. C. More solar energy is available in tropics. D. Constant environments promote niche specialization. E. Tropical environments are constant and predictable. Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

A A, B and E only
B A, B and D only
C A, C, D and E only
D A and B only

The answer is C.

Solution

A. Tropical latitudes remained relatively undisturbed for millions of years, giving more time for species diversification – correct. B. Tropical environments are less seasonal, not more – incorrect. C. More solar energy is available in the tropics, contributing to higher productivity – correct. D. Constant environments promote niche specialisation – correct. E. Tropical environments are relatively constant and predictable – correct. So A, C, D and E only are correct.

Concept Explaining why tropics show highest species richness

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95 questions from this chapter have appeared across 25 exam years.