Answer:
Biodiversity generally decreases with increasing latitude. As we move away from the equator towards the poles, the number of species and overall biodiversity tends to decrease. This pattern is known as the latitudinal gradient in biodiversity.
The primary reason behind this trend is the difference in environmental conditions between tropical and polar regions. Tropical areas near the equator have relatively stable climates, abundant sunlight, and high levels of precipitation, creating diverse habitats and providing favorable conditions for a wide range of species to thrive. On the other hand, polar regions have harsher climates, with extreme cold temperatures, limited sunlight, and less diverse ecosystems.
However, there can be exceptions to this general trend. Certain regions or ecosystems at higher latitudes, such as mountain ranges, can exhibit higher biodiversity due to unique environmental conditions, varied topography, and habitat heterogeneity. These areas can create microclimates and ecological niches that support a greater variety of species. Additionally, localized factors like human disturbances, conservation efforts, or the presence of specific ecological hotspots can also influence biodiversity patterns and result in exceptions to the overall latitudinal gradient.