Question

Latitude range with maximum species diversity is-
A. ${23.5^ \circ }N - {66.5^ \circ }N$
B. ${23.5^ \circ }S - {66.5^ \circ }S$
C. ${23.5^ \circ }N - {23.5^ \circ }S$
D. ${66.5^ \circ }N - {66.5^ \circ }S$

Answer 1

Hint: The diversity of species is more complex than the normal conditions. Latitudinal gradients have biogeographic patterns which can quantify the paths in biodiversity. Phylogenetic, functional, genetic or biodiversity change with latitude position on the surface of the earth. In the equator region, species richness or biodiversity increases from tropics to poles. The arctic regions are the regions where the least diversity survives.

Complete answer-
Option A ${23.5^ \circ }N - {66.5^ \circ }N$- the range cannot be from the same direction it can always be flowing. The diversity remains the same in this direction.
Option A is not the correct answer.
Option B ${23.5^ \circ }S - {66.5^ \circ }S$- the more diversity is always present at the equator. And species increase with the decreasing latitude.
Option B is not the correct answer.
Option C ${23.5^ \circ }N - {23.5^ \circ }S$- the typical diversity can be seen from the opposite direction, as the diversity flows with the direction changing as the climate and habitat also changes with the flow. So, the organisms find it easier to settle in such diversity.
Option C is the correct answer.
Option D ${66.5^ \circ }N - {66.5^ \circ }S$- habitat affected mostly by land change, and ecosystems changing and it affects the aspects of all biodiversity.
Option D is not the correct answer.

Therefore, Option C is the correct answer.

Note:
The relationship between biodiversity and latitude is quite higher in tropics and low in temperate regions which results in latitudinal biodiversity gradient. There are threats to biodiversity like-climate change, nutrient loading and over-exploitation of resources by nature and pollution. Latitude affects the diversity as the species tends to become higher as the latitude gets high. The results of the latitude gradient may be altered by higher species turnover.