Final answer:
The overall pattern of biodiversity on Earth, known as biogeography, is affected by various factors including latitudinal gradients, evolutionary history, tectonic plate movement, and human activities. Biodiversity increases closer to the equator, creating hotspots of rich and unique species composition.
Step-by-step explanation:
The overall pattern of biodiversity on Earth is known as biogeography. Biogeography is the study of the distribution of biodiversity over space and time. It looks at where organisms live, and at how they became distributed around the Earth. Biodiversity tends to be clustered in hotspots, and one of the most well-known patterns is the increase in biodiversity near the equator, which is a region known for high biodiversity compared to areas closer to the poles.There are various factors that contribute to these patterns, including the history of evolution and the movement of tectonic plates over geological time. For instance, groups that evolved before the breakup of the supercontinent Pangaea are distributed worldwide, whereas those evolving after the breakup have distributions that correspond to the new continental layouts. Examples include the flora and fauna of Laurasia and Gondwana, and the family Proteaceae's presence in Australia, southern Africa, and South America.Changes in biodiversity can also be attributed to human activities, which have been altering the levels and patterns of biodiversity across the globe. It's crucial to understand these patterns to better conserve biodiversity and maintain ecosystem services. Endemic species, for example, found in one location, such as Lake Victoria's cichlids or the Barton Springs salamander, underscore the uniqueness and fragility of biodiversity hotspots.