Final answer:
Species with wide geographic distributions encounter a broader range of environmental conditions, which is true. Generalist species adapt to more diverse habitats compared to endemic species, which have a more limited range.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that species having wide geographic distributions generally encounter a broader range of physical environmental conditions than species whose distribution is more restricted is true. Species with broad geographic ranges, such as generalist species like the raccoon, are exposed to a wide variety of abiotic factors, increasing the diversity of habitats they must adapt to. In contrast, endemic species like the koala are found in very specific geographical areas, often restricted in size, and are adapted to a more limited set of environmental conditions. The geographic constraints and distribution patterns are influenced by biological and physical barriers that have shaped the evolution and dispersal of species over long periods.