Hoetz, C.W.A (2011) The latitudinal gradient in species richness: A comparative study. Bachelor's Thesis, Biology.
![[img]](https://fse.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/style/images/fileicons/text.png) |
Text
Biol_Bc_2011_ChristiaanHoetz.pdf - Other Restricted to Registered users only Download (305kB) |
Abstract
The latitudinal gradient in species richness is one of the most apparent macroecological phenomena in community ecology. Although the gradient itself is not a complicated pattern, the underlying processes that cause it are very complex. Five key hypotheses that have been proposed to explain this gradient will be discussed, namely the Geographic Area; Evolutionary Speed; Biotic Interactions; Disturbance and the Species-Energy Hypothesis. Their relation to the latitudinal gradient in species richness will be explained and the underlying mechanisms that actually cause the gradient will be clarified. I found that the Species-Energy Hypothesis provides the best explanation for the latitudinal gradient in species richness. However the hypotheses are all strongly interconnected and not mutually exclusive. Thus the other theories should be used in support of the Species-Energy Hypothesis to explain the latitudinal gradient in species richness.
| Item Type: | Thesis (Bachelor's Thesis) |
|---|---|
| Degree programme: | Biology |
| Thesis type: | Bachelor's Thesis |
| Language: | English |
| Date Deposited: | 15 Feb 2018 07:45 |
| Last Modified: | 15 Feb 2018 07:45 |
| URI: | https://fse.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/9624 |
Actions (login required)
 |
View Item |