Patterns of Biodiversity – Class 12 | Chapter – 15 | Biology Short Notes Series PDF

Patterns of Biodiversity: Biodiversity is the variety observed in organisms at every level of biological organization. As ecologists studied biodiversity in the environment, they observed a regular pattern in which diversity was distributed over the entire area of the planet.

Patterns of Biodiversity

There are several patterns of biodiversity that have been observed and studied by biologists, including:

• Latitudinal Gradient: One of the most well-known patterns of biodiversity is the latitudinal gradient, which states that species richness increases from the poles towards the equator. This is thought to be due to the greater amount of available energy and more stable climates in the tropics, which allow for higher levels of primary productivity and greater opportunities for species to evolve and diversify.
• Altitudinal Gradient: Similar to the latitudinal gradient, an altitudinal gradient of biodiversity has also been observed, with species richness increasing with increasing elevation in mountainous regions. This is thought to be due to the increased habitat heterogeneity and the availability of specialized microhabitats in higher elevations.
• Island Biogeography: Islands are known for their high levels of endemism and unique species, and the study of island biogeography seeks to understand the factors that influence the distribution and diversity of species on islands. Some of the key factors that determine species richness on islands include the size of the island, its distance from the mainland, and the presence of other islands.
• Historical and Evolutionary Factors: Biodiversity patterns can also be influenced by historical and evolutionary factors, such as past glaciation events, the formation and breakup of continents, and the evolution of keystone species.

• Human Impacts: Human activities, such as deforestation, habitat fragmentation, introduction of invasive species, and climate change, can also have a significant impact on patterns of biodiversity, often leading to declines in species richness and changes in the distribution of species.

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By Team Learning Mantras