What is habitat fragmentation?

Habitat fragmentation refers to the process by which large habitats are divided into smaller, isolated patches, often due to human activities such as urban development, agriculture, or road construction. As habitats become fragmented, the connectivity between these patches is reduced, which can have significant ecological consequences.

This isolation can impede animal movement, disrupt mating patterns, and reduce genetic diversity, making populations more vulnerable to extinction. Additionally, smaller habitat patches may not support the same range of species or ecological processes as larger, connected habitats, leading to a decrease in overall biodiversity.

In contrast to the other options, which describe different ecological concepts, the division into smaller patches is the defining characteristic of habitat fragmentation, emphasizing its impact on species and ecosystems.