>>1369551That map isn't a correct representation of true biodiversity, biodiversity is measured in total number of species of all biotic communities. Arizona, and the western states in general, possess a greater range of biotic communities than the eastern half of north America. Those maps you posted don't even consider plant species and just cherry picked specific animal and plant types without considering differences in ecosystems. For example it considered trees rather than species of plants in total, AZ alone possesses more than 2,000 species of endemic plants and more than 2,000 species of endemic insects, while only possessing 30 endemic species of fish (two of which are endangered). The Sonoran desert actually has a larger variety of plant and insect species than the Appalachian mountains, thing is these plants and insects are specifically adapted to the unique conditions of the Sonoran desert. To consider true biodiversity you need to consider ecosystems and biome variety, which AZ and CA both excel at.
