Question

The species diversity of plants (22 percent) is much less than that of animals (72 percent). What could be the explanations of how animals achieved greater diversification?

Answer 1

The plant's diversity is less than that of animals because animals are said to possess the complex nervous system which makes them able to adapt which is not present in plants. This is the reason the plants have low energy needs, while animals possess a greater energy need.

Complete answer: In 1985, the word biodiversity was first developed by E.O. Wilson. The number and variability of living things and ecological complexes at the place where they live can be termed as biodiversity. Biodiversity generally constitutes genetic variability and diversity in forms of life for instance plants, animals, microbes, etc. that usually takes place in a wide range of ecosystems. About 70% of the species that are observed on Earth are animals, and just 22% are plants. There's always a huge gap in their percentage because, in comparison to plants, animals have modified themselves to make sure their sustainability in changing environmental conditions. For instance, a complex nervous system has been developed by insects and other animals to maintain and manage their body structure. Presence of body segments with paired appendages and external cuticles have permitted the insects to become flexible and provided them with the ability to live as compared to other life forms in diverse ecosystems. Animals show the presence of a very complex nervous system for regulating and coordinating different activities. They have receptors to receive and respond to environmental stimuli. In changing environmental conditions, much of their responses are adaptive which help them in their survival.

Note: The nervous system is one of the leading interconnected mechanisms that maintains homeostasis with the help of the interaction and convergence of all processes within the whole organism. The nervous system, in addition, connects the body with its environment, helping in the adaptation process.