Scientists are aware of the existence of over a million species of animals. Considering that there are many inaccessible forests and deep oceans in the world, we may discover just as many living creatures in the future. Until the 20th century, it was difficult to calculate the total number of animals in different regions of our planet.
But with the advent of the internet, this task has become much easier, and what’s more, some species of animals are being discovered not by scientists, but by ordinary people — a phenomenon known as citizen science. There is plenty of information about the animals of Earth today, so science can finally answer the question of which part of our planet has the largest number and diversity of animals. If you think that Australia has the most, you are mistaken.
Ideal places to live on Earth
In the late 1980s, British ecologist Norman Myers coined the term “biodiversity hotspot.” This is the name given to places that are home to the greatest variety of animals, from tiny insects to birds and mammals. To date, scientists have identified 36 biodiversity hotspots, many of which are located on continents located on the equator — a conditional line passing through the center of the globe.
Plants grow best in this area
This area of the Earth has a warm and humid climate, ideal for the development of most species of animals and plants. According to ecologist Barnabas Daru, plants thrive in such conditions. When the air is warm, it retains moisture for a long time, which is necessary for plant growth. Moisture is also very important for the reproduction of bacteria that decompose dead materials and turn them into fertilizer.
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In the tropical regions of our planet, plants also thrive because most pollinating insects only feel comfortable in warm temperatures. The fact is that they cannot regulate their own body temperature and are very dependent on their surroundings. Near the equator, insects do not need to hide from the cold, and they pollinate plants almost all year round. That is why the forests in the tropics are so dense and green.
Ideal conditions for animals
The more plants there are on a continent, the more animals there are. This is because in dense forests, most living creatures will never die of hunger. Herbivores will feed on tree leaves and reproduce. Predators will hunt and eat herbivores. This creates a chain in which tropical forests feed herbivores, and herbivores become food for predators.
Heat and moisture are not the only factors that increase animal diversity. The continent must not only be large, but also provide different habitats. It must have not only forests, but also rivers, high mountains, plains, and other biomes. Because animals are found at different altitudes, they always have enough food and water.
Ultimately, South America is the place with the most animals. To be more precise, the Amazon rainforest and the Andes have the greatest biodiversity. They provide ideal conditions for a wide range of animals to live.
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