A High Degree of Endemism is Most Likely in Environments

Question

A high degree of endemism is most likely in environments that are
A)easily reached and heterogeneous.
B)isolated and heterogeneous.
C)isolated and homogeneous.
D)isolated and extremely cold.
E)easily reached and homogeneous.

Accepted Answer

Endemism refers to the occurrence of a species or group of species only in a particular geographic region. Isolated and heterogeneous environments (such as islands, mountaintops, or isolated valleys) are likely to have more endemic species because they are physically separated from other regions and thus have unique evolutionary histories and ecological niches. Homogeneous environments are less likely to have high endemism because they offer less diversity of habitats and resources. Therefore, the best choice is B, isolated and heterogeneous.