The scientific consensus points to a strong correlation between warmer climates and elevated levels of species richness. This observation, fundamental to understanding global biodiversity patterns, is rooted in several interconnected factors influencing the proliferation and survival of diverse life forms.
A crucial factor is the extended growing season in warmer regions, providing a longer period for resource availability and biological productivity. This prolonged period of activity supports larger populations and more complex food webs. Furthermore, warmer temperatures generally accelerate metabolic rates, fostering faster rates of evolution and speciation. Historically, tropical regions have experienced greater climatic stability compared to temperate or polar areas, allowing species to diversify over longer timescales without the disruptive effects of major climate shifts like glaciation events. This has allowed species to gradually diverge and speciate, increasing overall biodiversity.
