The greatest diversity of animal and plant species is found in :

[amp_mcq option1=”Temperate forests” option2=”Deserts and Savannas” option3=”Arctic and Alpine systems” option4=”Tropical moist forests” correct=”option4″]

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CAPF – 2023

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The correct answer is D. Tropical moist forests, also known as rainforests, are characterized by warm temperatures, high rainfall, and high primary productivity, leading to the greatest diversity of animal and plant species on Earth.

– Biodiversity tends to be highest in regions with stable, favourable climates (warm and wet), high energy input (sunlight), and complex habitats.
– Tropical moist forests provide these conditions, supporting a vast array of ecological niches and complex food webs.
– Diversity generally decreases as one moves towards the poles or into drier/harsher environments.

Temperate forests have significant diversity but less than tropical forests. Deserts, Savannas, Arctic, and Alpine systems experience more extreme or seasonal conditions, which limit the number of species that can survive there compared to tropical rainforests. Factors like stable climate, high productivity, complex structure (multiple layers of vegetation), and evolutionary history contribute to the high biodiversity in tropical moist forests.

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