Question

Latitudinal gradients have an impact on species diversity. While species diversity is highest at the tropics and lowest at the poles, loss of biodiversity also is highest in the tropics and lowest at the poles. 

(a) Mention possible reason for the low species diversity at the poles. 

(b) Mention possible reason for loss of biodiversity being higher in the tropics. 

(c) How have humans used temperature conditions to conserve biodiversity in ex situ conditions?

Answer 1

(a) Low incident solar radiation results in low productivity 

Extremely cold conditions do not favour survival of many species

(b) Greater competition between species

Greater climatic variations

Harsh climatic conditions for many species

(c) In cryopreservation, low temperature conditions are used to preserve biological constructs.