A general trend in global biodiversity is a gradient of:
A)increasing diversity moving from the equator toward the poles.
B)decreasing diversity moving from the equator toward the poles.
C)increasing diversity moving out from continental margins to the interior.
D)decreasing diversity moving from continental margins to the interior.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The general trend in global biodiversity is decreasing diversity moving from the equator toward the poles. This is known as the latitudinal gradient of biodiversity. It is thought to be influenced by several factors, including climate stability, productivity, and evolutionary history. Generally, areas closer to the equator have more stable climates, higher productivity, and longer evolutionary histories, which all contribute to higher biodiversity.

A General Trend in Global Biodiversity Is a Gradient Of