Question

There is greater biodiversity in tropical /subtropical regions than in temperate regions. Explain.

Answer 1

Tropical region:

Tropical region lies near the equator, between the Tropic of Cancer $({23.5}^o$N latitude) and the Tropic of Capricorn at (${23.5}^o$S).


Reasons for higher biodiversity of the tropics:

Greater biodiversity of the tropics is due to the following reasons:

1. Tropics receive more solar energy which contributes to greater productivity and hence greater biodiversity due to greater availability of food.
2. Less seasonal variations promote niche specialisation and lead to a greater species diversity.
3. Tropics have remained undisturbed for millions of years as compared to the temperate regions which have undergone glaciation in the past. This has helped in greater species diversification in the tropics