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Which hypothesis suggests that the stability of temperature in the tropics contributes to higher species diversity?

A) Energy Hypothesis
B) Temperature-Stability Hypothesis
C) Evolutionary Rate Hypothesis
D) Habitat Heterogeneity Hypothesis

1 Answer

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Final answer:

The Temperature-Stability Hypothesis suggests that the consistent climatic conditions in tropical regions promote greater species diversity through the maintenance and evolution of specialized ecological niches.

Step-by-step explanation:

The hypothesis that suggests the stability of temperature in the tropics contributes to higher species diversity is B) Temperature-Stability Hypothesis. This hypothesis posits that the reduced seasonal variation in temperature and other climatic factors in tropical regions, compared to temperate zones, creates a more consistent environment that may promote speciation and maintain biodiversity. The perceived stability in tropical regions over temperate ones, which experience pronounced seasonal changes, could provide conditions conducive to the evolution and persistence of more specialized ecological niches, thus leading to greater species diversity.

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