What is the relationship between habitat fragmentation and biodiversity? 🔊
Habitat fragmentation negatively impacts biodiversity by isolating species and disrupting ecological processes. When large habitats are divided into smaller patches, it restricts species' movement and gene flow, often leading to inbreeding and decreased resilience to environmental changes. Fragmented habitats also increase edge effects, exposing wildlife to predators and new competitors. Additionally, small habitat patches may not support the full range of species, resulting in local extinctions. The relationship highlights the urgent need for landscape connectivity and effective conservation strategies to maintain healthy ecosystems and preserve biodiversity in the face of human encroachment.
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