In general, greater biodiversity exists closer to earth's equator than in areas closer to earth's poles. what does this mean in terms of the number of species that are found in these regions?

The biodiversity is greater in the regions that are closer to the equator of the Earth as compared to the North and the South poles. The larger number at the equator is because of the warmer conditions present at the equator. The warm weather makes for a suitable living environment as the species living there do not have to face the harsh weather conditions (such as the ones present at the poles).

Hence, the answer is 'the warmer weather and lack of harsh conditions are responsible for the greater biodiversity at the equator'.