Which global ecosystem has the highest insect biodiversity?

• A. Tropical rainforest
• B. Temperate grassland
• C. Desert
• D. Tundra

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the concept of biodiversity. Biodiversity refers to the variety of life forms within a given ecosystem, including species richness, genetic diversity, and ecosystem diversity.
2. Step 2: Recognize the factors that contribute to high biodiversity. These include stable climates, abundant resources, and complex habitats that support diverse species interactions.
3. Step 3: Analyze the characteristics of each ecosystem listed: Tropical rainforests have warm temperatures, high humidity, and dense vegetation, providing numerous niches for insects. Temperate grasslands have moderate climates but fewer niches compared to rainforests. Deserts have extreme conditions with limited resources, and tundras are cold with short growing seasons, both of which limit biodiversity.
4. Step 4: Compare the ecosystems based on their ability to support insect biodiversity. Tropical rainforests are known for their unparalleled species richness, including insects, due to their stable climate and complex structure.
5. Step 5: Conclude that tropical rainforests have the highest insect biodiversity among the ecosystems listed, as they provide optimal conditions for a wide variety of insect species.