![]() This is reflected in two important – and related – aspects of the definition of biodiversity-rich countries: The occurrence of an ample diversity of vegetation types or ecosystems and the occurrence of a high turnover of species between adjacent localities, leading to a spatially structured diversity of species known as beta diversity. In addition to the promotion of speciation, these situations may provide the necessary ecological heterogeneity on which a variety of communities can develop. Such situations can occur because of the existence of a series of isolated mountain peaks, large valleys, or drainage systems that become isolated and separated into smaller systems or areas that, being geologically heterogeneous and complex, produce a variety of soil conditions with well-defined boundaries between them. Species richness and the generation of endemism tend to be greater where there is significant ecological heterogeneity that allows for genetic isolation, local adaptation, and speciation to take place. José Sarukhán, Rodolfo Dirzo, in Encyclopedia of Biodiversity (Second Edition), 2013 Ecological Heterogeneity
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