Latitudinal diversity gradient
Topic: Biodiversity and its Conservation · NCERT: Class 11, Ch 14 "Biodiversity and Conservation"
Meaning
The latitudinal diversity gradient is the pattern in which life is richest near the equator and thins out towards the poles. Near the poles there are large populations of only a few species. Tropical rainforests alone hold about half of all species. One reason is that the tropics receive more solar energy and more water, which supports more plant growth and so more life.
Example
The Amazon rainforest of South America, near the equator, is packed with thousands of plant and animal species. The Arctic tundra, near the North Pole, has far fewer species, though some of them, such as caribou, live in large herds.
Don't confuse with
- Biodiversity hotspot: a region with many endemic species that has also lost at least 70% of its original habitat. The gradient describes a world-wide pattern by latitude, not threat.
Related concepts
- Biodiversity
- Species
- Genetic diversity
- Species diversity
- Ecosystem diversity
- Endemic species
- Importance of biodiversity
- Ecosystem services
- Agro-biodiversity