Which Claim Best Explains the Observation That Species Richness Is

question 27

Multiple Choice

Which claim best explains the observation that species richness is higher in tropical regions than in temperate regions?

• 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) tropical regions have very high rates of immigration and very low rates of extinction

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Definitions:

Directionality Problem

An issue in correlational studies where it is unclear which variable causes changes in the other.

Third Variable Problem

A challenge in research where a correlation between two variables may be explained by the presence of a third variable that influences both.

Random Error

Variability in measurement or data that arises from unpredictable fluctuations during the data collection process.

Selection Bias

A type of error that occurs when the sample is not representative of the population being studied, potentially leading to skewed results.