AP BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Habitat fragmentation is defined as the process during which a large expanse of habitat is transformed into a number of smaller patches of smaller total area isolated from each other by a matrix of habitats unlike the original (Fahrig, 2003).

Detailed explanation-2: -When a habitat becomes fragmented and reduced in area, gene flow and migration are typically reduced. Fewer individuals will migrate into the remaining fragments, and small disconnected populations that may have once been part of a single large population will become reproductively isolated.

Detailed explanation-3: -Fragmented habitats are often lower quality. This is known as the ‘edge effect’. As a habitat is broken into smaller sections, the proportion of edge-where one habitat meets another-increases. While some species can thrive along habitat edges, others struggle to survive.

Detailed explanation-4: -If their natural habitat is too fragmented, many might not be able to move, and they will be at risk of extinction. This again highlights the importance of a connected landscape.

Detailed explanation-5: -The fragmentation effects include high risk of extinction of small populations and reduced dispersal to isolated habitat fragments, but also factors such as hunting, wildfires, and various other anthropogenic impacts that may become elevated in fragmented landscapes (42).