Many people would agree that tropical rainforests have a higher level of species diversity than the North and South poles. Why does this phenomenon occur?
A simple answer to this is the availability of resources. At and near the equator there are continuous growing seasons unlike more temperate regions that have a growing season of just a few months out of the
year. Because more sunlight and water are available in tropical areas this allows more species of vegetation to compete and grow. This steamy atmosphere decomposes biomass much more rapidly than temperate and arctic regions. Decomposition provides abundance of nutrients that positively influence the growth and diversity of vegetation. More vegetation diversity can support a larger diversity of animal species.
year. Because more sunlight and water are available in tropical areas this allows more species of vegetation to compete and grow. This steamy atmosphere decomposes biomass much more rapidly than temperate and arctic regions. Decomposition provides abundance of nutrients that positively influence the growth and diversity of vegetation. More vegetation diversity can support a larger diversity of animal species. It has been estimated that half of the world's animal species live in rai
n forests. Although this estimate is astonishing, many species are categorized as endangered due to loss of habitat through clear-cutting of trees and agriculture. Some of the endangered and threatened animals include the Golden Lion Tamarind Monkey, Toucans and Parrots, Jaguar, Orangutan, Manatee, Bengal Tiger, some Poison Dart Frogs and H
arpy Eagles.
n forests. Although this estimate is astonishing, many species are categorized as endangered due to loss of habitat through clear-cutting of trees and agriculture. Some of the endangered and threatened animals include the Golden Lion Tamarind Monkey, Toucans and Parrots, Jaguar, Orangutan, Manatee, Bengal Tiger, some Poison Dart Frogs and H
arpy Eagles. One of the lesser known on this list is the Harpy Eagle. They are the largest and most powerful eagle known, with a wingspan of over 6 1/2 feet! Their habitat ranges in tropical lowland forests from southeastern Mexico to northern Argentina and southern Brazil. Harpies feed mostly on animals that live in trees such as sloths, monkeys, opossums, reptiles and other birds. Their enormous talons as big as bear claws, help them capture their prey while flying up to 50 mph through the forest. Because of deforestation the Harpy Eagle's prey populations have decreased and also their roosting sites. These eagles can weigh up to 20 pounds so they must consume large quantities of meat for flight energy, but if there are less things to eat some cannot survive.
Because the tropical rainforests are so abundant and species rich, we should help protect them from clear cutting operations. If they are not protected, lowered species diversity is inevitable and the loss of unique plants and animals only found in these areas could be lost forever.
Nice explanation for higher species diversity at the poles. One other possible hypothesis - ice ages have wiped out species at higher latitudes, so life at the equator has had a longer time to speciate.
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