Question

The diversity of vascular plants ___.

• A. Is unchanging as you move towards the equator
• B. Increases as you move towards the poles
• C. Decreases as you move away from the equator
• D. Is dependent on the longitudes

Answer 1

The correct option is C Decreases as you move away from the equator

Biodiversity exhibits a latitudinal gradient, that is species richness decreases as you move away from the equator to the poles. Species richness is defined as the number of species per unit area. However, there are some exceptions. The Saharan desert for instance, lies nearer to the equator than the temperate zones, but shows comparatively much lower biodiversity. Biodiversity and longitudes are not correlated.