Identify the correct statement for the species diversity.

The correct answer is Option (2) → Species diversity decreases as we move away from the equator towards the poles.

Option (1) Species diversity increases as we move away from the equator towards the poles. — Incorrect. The direction is reversed. The cold polar regions have the fewest species, not the most.

Option (2) Species diversity decreases as we move away from the equator towards the poles. — Correct. This pattern is the latitudinal gradient in diversity. The tropics have stayed undisturbed for millions of years, so species had a long time to form. Their climate is also less seasonal and gets more solar energy, which supports higher productivity.

Option (3) Species diversity remains constant, as we move away from the equator towards the poles. — Incorrect. Biodiversity is not spread evenly over the earth. It changes with latitude.

Option (4) Species diversity first decreases and then increases as we move away from the equator towards the poles. — Incorrect. There is no rise near the poles. Diversity keeps falling all the way from the equator to the poles.

NCERT Extract:
Patterns of Biodiversity – …