Question

What is so special about tropics that might account for their greater biological diversity?

Answer 1

Part 1: Tropic regions
Region of the Earth near the equator and is between the Tropic of Cancer in the northern hemisphere and the Tropic of Capricorn in the southern hemisphere.

Part 2: Reasons for greater biological diversity in tropics Tropics show greatest level of species richness because:-

• Long evolutionary time- In tropics the incidence of extreme catastrophic weather conditions is very less giving more time for evolution resulting in greater species diversification.
• Predictable environment- In the tropics the weather is less seasonal and is more constant resulting in niche specialisation.
• More solar energy- Latitudinal range is from 23.5° N to 23.5° S resulting in more solar energy reaching the producers. This increases primary productivity resulting in efficient and diverse ecosystems.