Which one of the following regions will have the least number of bird species?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 4
The correct answer is Option (4) → Region located near the pole
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 climate and more solar energy, which supports higher productivity.
Option (1) Region located near the equator — Incorrect. A region near the equator has the most bird species of the four.
Option (2) Region located at 71°N latitude — Incorrect. At 71°N there are few species, but such a region is still nearer the equator than the pole, so the polar region has fewer.
Option (3) Region located at 41°N latitude — Incorrect. At 41°N the region is much nearer the equator, so it has more species than the regions farther north.
Option (4) Region located near the pole — Correct. The pole is the farthest point from the equator. Its cold, strongly seasonal climate supports the fewest bird species.
NCERT Extract:
Patterns of Biodiversity – …
