Which evidence supports the species energy hypothesis to explain polar-equatorial gradients in species richness?

A) Lake Baikal contains more species of benthic invertebrates than Great Slave Lake
B) There is a strong polar-equatorial gradient in marine species richness
C) Disturbed areas support more species than undisturbed areas
D) Tropical areas have a greater land mass than temperate areas
E) The greatest number of tree species in the U.S. are in the hot, moist southeast