Geography
The Formation of Biodiversity Hotspots at Tectonic Convergence Zones
Quick fact
The tropical Andes, a tectonic convergence zone, contain about one-sixth of all plant species on Earth in less than 1% of its land area, largely due to the rapid mountain-building that created isolated valleys and slopes.
Why this is interesting
You know that some of the most species-rich places on Earth are also some of the most geologically active. Could the very forces that build mountains also be the engines of life?