The perfect combination of temperature and geographical location gives South America a higher level of biodiversity than any other place on Earth.
Based on factors and estimates from scientific data gathered by museums and local communities, the majority of scientists agree that South America has the highest number of animal species. From the Amazon rainforest with its four layers of animal life to the Andes mountain range, which contains dozens of different microclimates, South America features a perfect blend of temperature and geographical position, according to Live Science.
Aerial view of the Amazon rainforest in South America. (Photo: Wikipedia).
Scientists have identified and named over a million animal species, and millions more remain undiscovered across the seven continents. For centuries, researchers have classified and located species around the globe. Before the digital age, most information about animal distribution came from museum collections, according to Vítor Piacentini, an ornithologist at the Federal University of Mato Grosso in Brazil. Over the past 20 years, there has been a revolution in community science, with researchers using information from the public to fill in the gaps.
Using this data, they can map species distribution on the planet. In the late 1980s, scientist Norman Myers coined the term “biodiversity hotspot” to refer to areas with an unusually high number of animal species relative to their land area. Of the 36 biodiversity hotspots worldwide today, most are located on continents straddling the equator, where humid and warm climates prevail.
The reasons for this phenomenon are not only related to animals but also to plants. “Plants are the foundation for species”, says Barnabas Daru, an applied ecologist at Stanford University. “If a place has more diverse plant life, the other organisms that depend on those plants will thrive as well.”
While trees can survive in various conditions, most thrive in hot and humid environments. Temperature and humidity work together to provide the necessary moisture. Warm air retains water molecules, creating humidity. Warmer temperatures are also beneficial for many microorganisms, especially those that decompose matter that plants absorb for nutrients. Additionally, pollinating insects favor flowering plants and thrive in warmer climates, as they cannot regulate their body temperature. Many insects found in tropical regions mean that plants are pollinated more, providing more food for predator animals.
However, Piacentini emphasizes that other factors also play a crucial role. To host many species, a continent must offer not only tropical conditions but also a diverse environment. Areas with high biodiversity have numerous suitable habitats for animals. For instance, tall trees or large mountains contribute to vertical diversity in temperature, sunlight exposure, and terrain, allowing many species to coexist without competing for the same resources or habitats.
Nevertheless, the biodiversity of South America may not always be as vibrant as it is today. With deforestation, mercury mining, and climate change, animals in South America are facing unprecedented threats.
