The Most Plausible Hypothesis to Explain Why Species Richness Is

question 51

Multiple Choice

The most plausible hypothesis to explain why species richness is higher in tropical than in temperate regions is that ________.

• A) tropical communities are younger
• B) tropical regions generally have more available water and higher levels of solar radiation
• C) higher temperatures cause more rapid speciation
• D) diversity increases as evapotranspiration decreases

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Definitions:

Warm and Cold Receptors

Sensory nerve endings in the skin that respond to temperature changes, with some responding to warmth and others to coolness.

Temperature

A physical quantity expressing hot and cold, measured by a thermometer and determined by measuring the kinetic energy of the particles of an object.

Brain

The complex central organ of the nervous system, responsible for processing sensory information, regulating vital functions, and enabling thought, emotion, and memory.

Discriminating Odors

The ability to recognize and differentiate between various smells.