Previous Year Question
In which of the following ecosystems the species diversity is relatively higher?
Deep Sea
Tropical rain forest
Coral reefs
Desert
Correct Answer: C
Detailed Solution
Coral Reefs are among the most species-rich ecosystems on Earth. A very large number of fishes, molluscs, crustaceans, sponges, echinoderms and many other marine organisms occur within a relatively small area.
Coral colonies create a complex three-dimensional habitat. Its cavities, crevices and different microhabitats provide shelter, feeding grounds, breeding sites and nursery areas for numerous species. Because of this structural complexity, a very large number of species can coexist within the same reef ecosystem.
Coral Reefs occupy less than 1% of the ocean floor, yet they provide habitat for nearly one-quarter of marine species. Because of this extraordinary biodiversity, they are often called the “Rainforests of the Sea.”
Tropical Rain Forests are also extremely biodiverse and possess very high species richness among terrestrial ecosystems.
The Deep Sea is an enormous ecosystem and contains many unique species, but organism density is generally lower and environmental conditions—such as lack of light, low temperatures and extreme pressure—are severe.
In Deserts, severe water scarcity and extreme temperature conditions limit species richness.