Species diversity in an ecosystem mainly depends on

Options

A. Light intensity
B. Temperature
C. Rainfall
D. Soil type

Answer

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding Species Diversity**:
- Species diversity refers to the variety of species within a given ecological community. It encompasses two main components: species richness and species evenness.
- **Species Richness**: This is the total number of different species present in a community.
- **Species Evenness**: This refers to how evenly the individuals are distributed among the different species.

2. **Factors Affecting Species Diversity**:
- Several environmental factors can influence species diversity in an ecosystem. The options provided are:
- A) Light Intensity
- B) Temperature
- C) Rainfall
- D) Soil Type

3. **Analyzing the Options**:
- **Light Intensity**: While it can affect photosynthesis and plant growth, it is not the primary determinant of species diversity.
- **Temperature**: This can influence the types of species that can survive in an ecosystem, but it is not the most significant factor.
- **Rainfall**: This is critical as it directly affects water availability, which is essential for all living organisms. It influences plant growth, which in turn affects the entire food web.
- **Soil Type**: This can affect the types of plants that grow in an area, but it is less influential than rainfall.

4. **Conclusion**:
- Among the given options, rainfall is the most significant factor that affects species diversity in an ecosystem. It influences both the richness and evenness of species by providing the necessary water for survival and growth.

5. **Final Answer**:
- The correct answer is **C) Rainfall**.