Some biologists believe that the latitudinal gradient in species diversity reflects the fact that high latitudes recently lay beneath large glaciers. If there had been no recent ice age, would we still expect to see a latitudinal diversity gradient? No, without polar ice (large ice formation around the pole), warm ocean currents like the Gulf Stream would carry more heat to high latitudes, making them more productive and, so, supporting more diversity. Yes, with or without recent glaciation of high latitudes, there is still less energy available at high latitudes to support diverse biomes. No, without the ice ages, biomes at high latitudes would be older, with more time for the diversification of species. Yes, nutrient availability would still be lower at high latitudes.

Option (2)

Explanation:

The earth is comprised of numerous species, and this diversification of species gradually increases from the polar region to the tropical region of earth. The tropical and equatorial region is comprised of different species as this region receives the maximum amount of energy, nutrients, sunlight and rainfall.

Some of the biologists often believe that the species diversity increases with the latitude. The higher latitudinal region are mostly covered with ice and glaciers. But without the occurrence of ice age in the past, there is still lesser but sufficient amount of energy that is available in the higher latitudinal region that can support different types of biome, comprising a significant number and variety of species.

Thus, the correct answer is option (2).

Yes, with or without recent glaciation of high latitudes, there is still less energy available at high latitudes to support diverse biomes.

Explanation: