Which biome has the greatest diversity of species and total amount of living matter?
Select one:
a. taiga
b. epipelagic region of the ocean
c. temperate deciduous forest
d. tropical rain forest
e. African savanna
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is d. tropical rain forest.
Tropical rainforests are home to the highest levels of biodiversity in the world. These biomes are located near the equator, where temperatures are consistently warm, and precipitation is abundant throughout the year. These conditions support dense vegetation, which in turn supports a wide variety of animals. The tropical rainforest is often referred to as the “lungs of the Earth” due to its vast plant life, which produces a significant amount of oxygen.
The biodiversity in tropical rainforests is astonishing. They are home to about half of the planet’s plant and animal species, despite covering only about 2% of the Earth’s surface. This is because the climate allows for year-round growth, which fosters a variety of specialized ecosystems. Different layers of the rainforest, such as the forest floor, understory, canopy, and emergent layer, all provide unique habitats for different species, allowing numerous ecological niches to exist.
In addition to species diversity, tropical rainforests also have the highest total amount of living matter, or biomass. This is due to the rapid plant growth and high rates of photosynthesis that occur in these ecosystems. The dense vegetation traps large amounts of carbon, contributing to high levels of organic matter in both plants and animals. The nutrient cycling in these ecosystems is fast and efficient, further supporting the overall richness of life.
In contrast, biomes such as the taiga and temperate deciduous forests have lower species diversity and less total biomass. The epipelagic region of the ocean is home to many species, but it is not as diverse as tropical rainforests, and the African savanna has a distinct set of species but lacks the same dense, interconnected web of life found in rainforests.