Question

question 6 (1 point)
what is a probable reason why land species represent 86% of the worlds species,
whereas marine species only represent 14%?
an underwater cataclysmic event during the pleistocene killed many marine
species, which reduced the previously abundant marine species count to less
than the number of land species.
there is more land on earth than there is ocean.
water slows down the evolutionary process.
the more variable the environment, the more chances there will be for new
species to form, and the ocean is more stable than the land environment.

Explanation:

• Option 1: There is no evidence of a Pleistocene underwater cataclysm that specifically targeted marine species to such a degree.
• Option 2: In fact, there is more ocean on Earth than land (about 71% ocean vs 29% land).
• Option 3: Water does not slow down the evolutionary process. Marine organisms have evolved complex and diverse forms over time.
• Option 4: A more variable environment (like land) can lead to more ecological niches. New species can form to occupy these niches. The ocean, while diverse, has more stable physical - chemical conditions in many areas compared to land. For example, temperature and moisture vary more on land, creating a greater range of habitats for speciation.

Answer:

The more variable the environment, the more chances there will be for new species to form, and the ocean is more stable than the land environment.