If there are 4 states, represented as L, M, N, O where L is located near the equator, and others are located at 80°N, 71°N, 41°N, respectively. Which one of the following will have least number of bird species?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → M
The latitudinal gradient is the best-known pattern of biodiversity. The tropics have the most species because they have a long, stable evolutionary history, a less seasonal and more constant climate, and more solar energy, which supports higher productivity.
The question places L near the equator, and M, N and O at 80°N, 71°N and 41°N.
Option (1) L — Incorrect. L is near the equator, so it has the most bird species of the four.
Option (2) M — Correct. At 80°N, M is the farthest from the equator and the closest to the pole, so it has the fewest bird species.
Option (3) N — Incorrect. N at 71°N is still nearer the equator than M, so M has fewer.
Option (4) O — Incorrect. O at 41°N is the nearest of the three northern states to the equator, so it has more species than N and M.
NCERT Extract:
Patterns of Biodiversity – …
