Why Are There So Many Species Near the Equator?

The video explores the concept of the latitudinal diversity gradient, which describes the pattern of higher biodiversity near the equator compared to the poles. It discusses two main hypotheses: the time and area hypothesis, which suggests that tropical regions have had more time and space for species to accumulate, and the diversification rate hypothesis, which proposes that species evolve faster in the tropics. The video highlights the complexity of these ideas and the ongoing scientific exploration to understand this pattern.

What is the latitudinal diversity gradient?

• A pattern of biodiversity increasing towards the poles

• A pattern of biodiversity being uniform across all latitudes

• A pattern of biodiversity decreasing towards the equator

• A pattern of biodiversity being richer at the equator and decreasing towards the poles

According to the time and area hypothesis, why do tropical regions have more biodiversity?

• They have experienced more glacial periods

• They have had more time and space for species to accumulate

• They have a higher rate of species extinction

• They have fewer predators

What challenge did temperate regions face during the Pleistocene Epoch?

• Increased volcanic activity

• Frequent earthquakes

• Lack of sunlight

• Multiple waves of glaciers

What does the diversification rate hypothesis suggest about species in the tropics?

• They evolve more slowly and go extinct more quickly

• They evolve more quickly and go extinct more slowly

• They do not evolve or go extinct

• They have a constant rate of evolution and extinction

How might higher temperatures near the equator affect evolution?

• By slowing down DNA mutation rates

• By promoting longer generation times

• By reducing the number of species

• By speeding up metabolism and evolution