Chapter 6, Problem 12STP

Summary Introduction

To write:

Explain the increase in species diversity as we move from the Polar Regions to tropics.

Introduction:

The Bio-diversity varies from tropic to Polar Regions. The species density increase as we go from Polar to tropic region. This is due to sunshine, vertical habitat, temperature, etc that is varied across the regions due to differential sun rays. Rain forest that is rich in bio diversity is near the tropic regions.

Explanation of Solution

Species diversity is greatest in the tropics, particularly in tropical forests and coral reefs. The warmer climate around the equator provides a greater abundance of resources, more solar energy, and warmer temperatures that allow for longer growing seasons and more ectothermic species.

Conclusion

The higher temperatures in the tropics cause higher rates of metabolism, ecological dynamics and co-evolutionary processes, which generates and maintains higher biodiversity. So, the species diversity in tropical regions is more than the Polar Regions.