Summary
Species richness generally increases from poles toward the tropics.
In depth
Explanations: more energy, stable climate, larger area, time for diversification, higher speciation rates. Not universal; penguins and some marine taxa peak at high latitudes.
Hypotheses include energy availability, area and historic stability. Tropical regions also have higher rates of diversification.
Key idea: biodiversity is highest near the equator.
Species richness of most groups, from trees to birds to marine bivalves, increases from the poles to the equator. This is one of the oldest known patterns in ecology.
Hypotheses include more energy and productivity in the tropics (species-energy), greater climate stability and area over long periods, higher speciation rates, lower extinction rates, tropics as the cradle or museum of diversity, stronger biotic interactions and the large area of tropical climates. Probably several factors contribute. Exceptions exist: some groups, such as penguins and sandpipers, are most diverse at high latitudes.
Example: a hectare of rainforest in Amazonia may hold over 300 tree species, compared with a few dozen in temperate woodland.
Key idea: the pattern is clear, the cause is still debated.
Frequently asked questions
What is Latitudinal Diversity Gradient?
Species richness generally increases from poles toward the tropics.
Which area of biology covers Latitudinal Diversity Gradient, and how advanced is it?
Latitudinal Diversity Gradient is one of the 52 topics in Taxonomy & Biodiversity. It is rated Intermediate, so it suits learners who already know the core vocabulary. Related topics in this area include Biodiversity, Biodiversity and Ecosystem Function, Cryptic Species.
Can you give an example of Latitudinal Diversity Gradient?
The Amazon basin holds more tree species per hectare than all of Europe.
What should I learn before Latitudinal Diversity Gradient?
Work through the Beginner topics in Taxonomy & Biodiversity first, such as Taxonomy, Binomial Nomenclature, Taxonomic Hierarchy, then return to Latitudinal Diversity Gradient. Intermediate topics assume the Beginner vocabulary.
What topics are related to Latitudinal Diversity Gradient?
The closest topics to Latitudinal Diversity Gradient are Biodiversity, Biodiversity and Ecosystem Function, Cryptic Species, Systematics Software and Databases. Comparing them side by side is a good way to see how the ideas connect.
How can I check that I understand Latitudinal Diversity Gradient?
Read the summary and the in-depth section, then use the quick check on the interactive lesson for Latitudinal Diversity Gradient. To practise the whole of Taxonomy & Biodiversity, use the Taxonomy & Biodiversity quiz.
How is Latitudinal Diversity Gradient different from Biodiversity?
Latitudinal Diversity Gradient: Species richness generally increases from poles toward the tropics. Biodiversity: The variety of life at the level of genes, species and ecosystems. Read both side by side and note what each one explains.
How should I study Latitudinal Diversity Gradient step by step?
First, read the summary and write the definition in your own words. Second, read the in-depth section and note any example. Third, compare it with Biodiversity and explain the difference aloud. Finally, take the Taxonomy & Biodiversity quiz and come back to this page for any question you miss.