Distribution of biodiversity across latitude and altitude

(Spatial Patterns of Biodiversity)

Latitudinal and Elevation/Altitude Gradients

• Species diversity is maximum near the equator and decreases as we move away from the
equator towards the pole. It means biodiversity is more at lower latitudes near the equator
and less at higher latitudes near the poles. This effect is often referred to as the latitudinal
diversity gradient (LDG). The LDG is one of the most widely recognized patterns in ecology.
• A parallel trend has been found with elevation (elevational diversity gradient), though this is
less well-studied. Tropical areas play prominent roles in the understanding of the distribution
of biodiversity, as their rates of habitat degradation and biodiversity loss are exceptionally
high.
• Amazon rainforests have maximum biological diversity with regard to the number of species
inhabiting this region. Ecologists believe the following to be the cause of the increasing
biodiversity in the tropics:

1. Climates in tropical regions are more consistent than in temperate regions. Because the
species do not need to constantly adjust to a changing season, the tropics can maintain a greater
variety of species.
2. Since there have been several recent glaciations in temperate zones, their ecosystem has
been quite unstable. The tropics, though, have remained relatively constant. As a result,
speciation in the tropics has been favored more by temperate lands.

3. Comparatively speaking, tropical areas are more vulnerable to sun radiation. As a result,
the photosynthesis of the plants in this area produces more energy. The subsequent trophic
levels in the food chain receive more energy as a result. Greater diversity is thus supported
by more energy.
Latitude - angle which
ranges from 0° at the
equator to 90°

Altitude - how high a

place is located above the
sea level
Altitude Gradient

elevation zones and vegetation

Tropical forest
Dense, highly varied forest in the intertropical zone, where precipitation is abundant and regular.

Deciduous forest
Forest composed mainly of trees with broad leaves that grow back every year.

Mixed forest
Forest composed of conifers and deciduous trees

Coniferous forest
Forest composed mainly of softwood trees with evergreen leaves in the form of needles or
scales.

Tundra
Plant formation that grows in relatively arid regions; it includes mosses, lichens, grasses,
bushes and dwarf trees.

Glacier
Mass of ice resulting from the accumulation and compression of snow; it moves under its own
weight.