Maximum biodiversity occurs in the tropical region, where stable climates and high energy availability support the highest species richness on Earth. This SEO-optimized article solves Q.12 in detail for life science exams, breaking down each region option.

Correct Answer

The tropical region hosts maximum biodiversity, with rainforests like the Amazon containing over 50% of global species despite covering just 7% of land. Factors include constant warmth, rainfall, sunlight, and evolutionary stability over millions of years.

Option Explanations

• Polar region: Incorrect. Extreme cold, short growing seasons, and ice cover limit species to few hardy ones like lichens, seals, and penguins; lowest diversity globally.​

• Temperate region: Incorrect. Moderate seasons support decent diversity (e.g., forests with deer, oaks), but far below tropics due to winter freezes and less solar energy.

• Tropical region: Correct. Year-round warmth (20-30°C), high humidity, and niches foster hyper-diversity: insects, birds, plants thrive; megadiverse countries like Brazil, Indonesia dominate.

• Sub-tropical region: Incorrect. Transitional zones have good diversity but seasonal droughts or mild winters reduce it compared to stable equatorial tropics.​

Biodiversity Patterns

Tropical regions follow the latitudinal diversity gradient: species richness peaks at equator, drops toward poles. This “tropical hotspot” principle aids conservation; threats like deforestation endanger it.

Exam Relevance

For biochemistry and molecular biology students, understanding tropical biodiversity links to genetic diversity in enzymes, microbes, and drug discovery from rainforest species.​