A general increase in the average body mass of animal population within a species with latitude is known as
Allen's rule
Bergmann's rule
Allee effect
Hamilton's rule
Bergmann's rule states that within a species, individuals in populations found in colder environments or at higher latitudes tend to have larger body sizes compared to individuals in populations found in warmer environments or at lower latitudes. This phenomenon is believed to be an adaptation to colder climates, where larger body size helps in reducing heat loss and maintaining body temperature more effectively.
The underlying reason behind Bergmann's rule is that larger animals have a smaller surface area-to-volume ratio, which helps them retain heat better in colder environments. This pattern is observed in many animal species, including mammals, birds, and reptiles, although there are exceptions and variations depending on other factors such as ecological niche, evolutionary history, and habitat characteristics.
Hence, the correct answer is option 2