-Which of the following best explains the pattern shown in the figure?
A) Because penguins cannot fly, they are forced to remain in the Arctic, and there are few species of birds that can survive such harsh winters.
B) Because polar bears prey on birds, there are few bird species that can live in the Arctic.
C) Birds prefer to live near oceans, and proximity to the ocean has a great effect on bird diversity.
D) Birds cannot breed where air is thinner because they cannot take in enough oxygen, so fewer species are found at high elevations.
E) Polar and temperate regions are relatively species -poor because glaciation events repeatedly forced organisms toward tropical latitudes.

Question

-Which of the following best explains the pattern shown in the figure?
A) Because penguins cannot fly, they are forced to remain in the Arctic, and there are few species of birds that can survive such harsh winters. 
B) Because polar bears prey on birds, there are few bird species that can live in the Arctic. 
C) Birds prefer to live near oceans, and proximity to the ocean has a great effect on bird diversity. 
D) Birds cannot breed where air is thinner because they cannot take in enough oxygen, so fewer species are found at high elevations. 
E) Polar and temperate regions are relatively species -poor because glaciation events repeatedly forced organisms toward tropical latitudes.

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The correct answer is E because it explains the pattern of species diversity in relation to historical climate events, specifically glaciation, which has influenced the distribution of species by pushing them towards the equator where conditions are more stable and conducive to sustaining a higher diversity of life.

-Which of the Following Best Explains the Pattern Shown in the Figure