Which of the following countries has the highest biodiversity?

Options

A. Brazil
B. South Africa
C. Russia
D. India

Explanation

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding Biodiversity**: Begin by defining biodiversity, which refers to the variety of life in a particular habitat or ecosystem. It is often measured in terms of species richness, which is the number of different species present in an area.

2. **Distribution of Biodiversity**: Recognize that biodiversity is not evenly distributed across the globe. Some regions have much higher biodiversity than others. This uneven distribution can be influenced by various factors, including climate, geography, and ecological conditions.

3. **Latitudinal Gradient**: Identify the concept of the latitudinal gradient, which states that biodiversity tends to be higher near the equator and decreases as one moves towards the poles. This means that tropical regions typically have a richer variety of species compared to temperate and polar regions.

4. **Mega Diversity Countries**: Learn about mega diversity countries, which are nations that harbor the majority of Earth's species and are home to a significant number of endemic species (species that are not found anywhere else). There are 12 recognized mega diversity countries.

5. **Evaluating Options**: Given the options in the question, evaluate which country is known for having the highest biodiversity. Brazil is particularly notable because it contains a portion of the Amazon rainforest, which is one of the most biodiverse ecosystems on the planet.

6. **Conclusion**: Based on the information gathered, conclude that Brazil has the highest biodiversity among the options provided due to its rich variety of flora and fauna, especially within the Amazon rainforest.

**Final Answer**: The country with the highest biodiversity is **Brazil** (Option A).

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