Question

1. based on this map, both species have generally similar climate tolerances with a few key differences. based on what you know about the distribution of mountains around the world and how temperature varies across both elevation and latitude, which of these tropical species is more tolerant of cold temperatures? select 2. represented as a niche, which species would have a slightly narrower distribution along the x - axis of the temperature graph? nephila clavipes

Explanation:

1. Temperature decreases with increasing latitude and elevation. The species with a distribution that extends to higher latitudes (where it is colder) or higher elevations (where it is also colder) is more cold - tolerant. Looking at the map, Herpailurus yagouaroundi has a distribution that extends further south (higher latitude in the Southern Hemisphere) compared to Nephila clavipes.
2. A narrower distribution along the x - axis (temperature axis) of a niche graph means the species has a more restricted temperature tolerance. Since Nephila clavipes has a more limited latitudinal and elevational range (compared to Herpailurus yagouaroundi which has a more extended range), it would have a narrower temperature - tolerance niche.

Answer:

1. Herpailurus yagouaroundi
2. Nephila clavipes