Biodiversity gradients [Biodiversity and ecosystems]

Biodiversity gradients exist depending on latitude and altitude.

Depending on latitude

Graphs of species number as a function of latitude | Information^[1]

If we look at species richness according to latitude in these three examples: trees on Earth, birds, and mammals in America, species richness in most organism groups increases from high to low latitudes.

Here, we can see graphically how biodiversity increases as latitude decreases.

Depending on altitude

Graphs of species number as a function of altitude | Information^[2]

If we look at species richness as a function of altitude for these three examples: flowering plants in Nepal, ants in Colorado, and bats in Manu National Park. In general, biodiversity tends to decrease with altitude, although there are exceptions.

Here, we can see graphically the decrease in biodiversity as a function of altitude.