Question

Habitat loss and fragmentation leads to the loss of biodiversity primarily because

• A. less plants in the fragmented habitat which leads to less photosynthesis
• B. species in the fragmented habitats are more likely to become extinct
• C. more soil erosion take place in the fragmented habitat
• D. animals migrate out of smaller fragmented habitat

Answer 1

The correct option is B species in the fragmented habitats are more likely to become extinct

Habitat loss and fragmentation occurs due to increasing demand for land for an exponentially increasing population. Forests are cut down for the purpose of urbanisation or agricultural purposes which lead to loss of habitat for several species. For example, the Amazon rainforest which harboured the greatest variety of species on earth and covered 14% of the total land now covers less than 6%.

Destruction of such large habitats leads to fragmentation. Birds (especially migratory birds) and mammals that require large territories are affected by habitat loss and fragmentation. Habitat loss and fragmentation leads to the loss of biodiversity primarily because fewer individuals in the fragmented habitats are more likely to become extinct. Lesser the number of individuals in a species, faster will they get depleted under adverse conditions.

Less photosynthesis due to lesser number of plants in the fragmented habitat leads to reduced productivity. This might eventually affect the variety of species in the fragmented habitat but it is not the primary cause for the loss of biodiversity.

Soil erosion and animal migration due to habitat fragmentation can eventually result in loss of biodiversity but these are not the primary causes.