Question

Which of the following is a true statement regarding species richness? Which of the following is a true statement regarding species richness? Species richness typically increases as one moves towards the equator. Species richness typically increases as one moves from the equator towards the south pole. Species richness is not affected by location at all. Species richness typically increases as one moves from the equator towards the north pole.

Answer 1

Answer:

Species richness typically increases as one moves towards the equator.

Explanation:

Species richness reflects the total number of a species in a community. Lower latitudes closer of the equator have a tropical environment and experience less seasonal variations than the habitats at near and at the Polar Regions. The constant environmental conditions of habitats near the equator allow niche specialization to support accommodation of more number of species.

Lower latitudes near equator also have the climatic conditions to favor higher productivity. For instance, these habitats receive more solar energy which in turn favors higher productivity and contributes to greater species richness. Therefore, species richness increases as one move towards the equator.