UPSC Exam  >  UPSC Questions  >   Consider the following statements:1. Biodive... Start Learning for Free
Consider the following statements:
1. Biodiversity is normally greater in the lower latitudes as compared to the higher latitudes.
2. Along the mountain gradients, biodiversity is normally greater in the lower altitudes as compared to the higher altitudes.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
  • a)
    1 only
  • b)
    2 only
  • c)
    Both 1 and 2
  • d)
    Neither 1 nor 2
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?
Verified Answer
Consider the following statements:1. Biodiversity is normally greater...
Key-Points
  • Latitude
    • It is the angular distance of a place north or south of the earth's equator.
    • It is measured with 180 imaginary lines that form circles around the Earth east-west, parallel to the Equator.
    • The Equator is the line of 0 degrees latitude. Each parallel measures one degree north or south of the Equator, with 90 degrees north of the Equator and 90 degrees south of the Equator.
    • The latitude of the North Pole is 90 degrees N, and the latitude of the South Pole is 90 degrees S.
  • The term biodiversity (from “biological diversity”) refers to the variety of life on Earth at all its levels, from genes to ecosystems, and can encompass the evolutionary, ecological, and cultural processes that sustain life.
  • Biodiversity increases from the poles to the tropics for a wide variety of terrestrial and marine organisms. It is also called the latitudinal diversity gradient.
  • Hence, statement 1 is correct.
  • Elevational diversity gradient (EDG) is an ecological pattern where biodiversity changes with elevation.
  • The researchers in the past have found that plant biodiversity initially increases with altitude, until it reaches a diversity peak at around 1 300 to 1 800 m, after which point it decreases with altitude.
  • Hence, statement 2 is correct.
View all questions of this test
Most Upvoted Answer
Consider the following statements:1. Biodiversity is normally greater...
Biodiversity in relation to latitudes and altitudes


1. Biodiversity in relation to latitudes

Biodiversity refers to the variety of life forms, including plants, animals, and microorganisms, found within a particular region or ecosystem. The distribution of biodiversity is influenced by various factors, including latitudes.



  • Statement 1: Biodiversity is normally greater in the lower latitudes as compared to the higher latitudes.



This statement is correct. Biodiversity is generally higher in the lower latitudes, closer to the equator, and decreases as you move towards the higher latitudes, closer to the poles. This pattern is known as the latitudinal biodiversity gradient.


There are several reasons for this pattern:



  • Climate: The tropical regions near the equator have a warm and stable climate throughout the year. This allows for a longer growing season, higher productivity, and more diverse habitats, which in turn support a greater number of species.

  • Habitat Complexity: Tropical regions often have complex and diverse habitats, including rainforests, coral reefs, and mangroves, which provide a wide range of niches for different species to occupy.

  • Speciation: The tropics have historically experienced higher levels of speciation, meaning new species are more likely to evolve in these regions. This is due to factors such as stable climates, high productivity, and greater availability of resources.



2. Biodiversity in relation to altitudes

Altitude is another important factor that influences biodiversity. As we move up mountains or higher altitudes, there are changes in temperature, precipitation, and other environmental factors, which can affect the distribution of species.



  • Statement 2: Along the mountain gradients, biodiversity is normally greater in the lower altitudes as compared to the higher altitudes.



This statement is also correct. Biodiversity generally decreases as altitude increases along mountain gradients.


There are a few reasons for this pattern:



  • Climate: As altitude increases, the temperature decreases, and the climate becomes harsher. This limits the types of species that can survive at higher altitudes.

  • Habitat Diversity: Lower altitudes often have a greater variety of habitats, including forests, grasslands, and wetlands, which can support a higher diversity of species.

  • Species Adaptation: Some species are adapted to specific altitudinal ranges and may not be able to survive outside their preferred altitude. This leads to a decrease in species diversity at higher altitudes.



In conclusion, both statements are correct. Biodiversity is generally greater in the lower latitudes as compared to the higher latitudes, and along mountain gradients, biodiversity is normally greater in the lower altitudes as compared to the higher altitudes.
Explore Courses for UPSC exam

Similar UPSC Doubts

Top Courses for UPSC

Consider the following statements:1. Biodiversity is normally greater in the lower latitudes as compared to the higher latitudes.2. Along the mountain gradients, biodiversity is normally greater in the lower altitudes as compared to the higher altitudes.Which of the statements given above is/are correct?a)1 onlyb)2 onlyc)Both 1 and 2d)Neither 1 nor 2Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?
Question Description
Consider the following statements:1. Biodiversity is normally greater in the lower latitudes as compared to the higher latitudes.2. Along the mountain gradients, biodiversity is normally greater in the lower altitudes as compared to the higher altitudes.Which of the statements given above is/are correct?a)1 onlyb)2 onlyc)Both 1 and 2d)Neither 1 nor 2Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer? for UPSC 2024 is part of UPSC preparation. The Question and answers have been prepared according to the UPSC exam syllabus. Information about Consider the following statements:1. Biodiversity is normally greater in the lower latitudes as compared to the higher latitudes.2. Along the mountain gradients, biodiversity is normally greater in the lower altitudes as compared to the higher altitudes.Which of the statements given above is/are correct?a)1 onlyb)2 onlyc)Both 1 and 2d)Neither 1 nor 2Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer? covers all topics & solutions for UPSC 2024 Exam. Find important definitions, questions, meanings, examples, exercises and tests below for Consider the following statements:1. Biodiversity is normally greater in the lower latitudes as compared to the higher latitudes.2. Along the mountain gradients, biodiversity is normally greater in the lower altitudes as compared to the higher altitudes.Which of the statements given above is/are correct?a)1 onlyb)2 onlyc)Both 1 and 2d)Neither 1 nor 2Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?.
Solutions for Consider the following statements:1. Biodiversity is normally greater in the lower latitudes as compared to the higher latitudes.2. Along the mountain gradients, biodiversity is normally greater in the lower altitudes as compared to the higher altitudes.Which of the statements given above is/are correct?a)1 onlyb)2 onlyc)Both 1 and 2d)Neither 1 nor 2Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer? in English & in Hindi are available as part of our courses for UPSC. Download more important topics, notes, lectures and mock test series for UPSC Exam by signing up for free.
Here you can find the meaning of Consider the following statements:1. Biodiversity is normally greater in the lower latitudes as compared to the higher latitudes.2. Along the mountain gradients, biodiversity is normally greater in the lower altitudes as compared to the higher altitudes.Which of the statements given above is/are correct?a)1 onlyb)2 onlyc)Both 1 and 2d)Neither 1 nor 2Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer? defined & explained in the simplest way possible. Besides giving the explanation of Consider the following statements:1. Biodiversity is normally greater in the lower latitudes as compared to the higher latitudes.2. Along the mountain gradients, biodiversity is normally greater in the lower altitudes as compared to the higher altitudes.Which of the statements given above is/are correct?a)1 onlyb)2 onlyc)Both 1 and 2d)Neither 1 nor 2Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?, a detailed solution for Consider the following statements:1. Biodiversity is normally greater in the lower latitudes as compared to the higher latitudes.2. Along the mountain gradients, biodiversity is normally greater in the lower altitudes as compared to the higher altitudes.Which of the statements given above is/are correct?a)1 onlyb)2 onlyc)Both 1 and 2d)Neither 1 nor 2Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer? has been provided alongside types of Consider the following statements:1. Biodiversity is normally greater in the lower latitudes as compared to the higher latitudes.2. Along the mountain gradients, biodiversity is normally greater in the lower altitudes as compared to the higher altitudes.Which of the statements given above is/are correct?a)1 onlyb)2 onlyc)Both 1 and 2d)Neither 1 nor 2Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer? theory, EduRev gives you an ample number of questions to practice Consider the following statements:1. Biodiversity is normally greater in the lower latitudes as compared to the higher latitudes.2. Along the mountain gradients, biodiversity is normally greater in the lower altitudes as compared to the higher altitudes.Which of the statements given above is/are correct?a)1 onlyb)2 onlyc)Both 1 and 2d)Neither 1 nor 2Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer? tests, examples and also practice UPSC tests.
Explore Courses for UPSC exam

Top Courses for UPSC

Explore Courses
Signup for Free!
Signup to see your scores go up within 7 days! Learn & Practice with 1000+ FREE Notes, Videos & Tests.
10M+ students study on EduRev