Question

Explain how the loss of habitat and fragmentation drives plants and animals to extinction with the help of an example of habitat loss in the Tropical Rain Forest. Also write the effect of fragmentation of a habitat on the population decline.

Hint:

Remember — fragmentation reduces population size and gene flow, increasing extinction risks.

Answer 1

• Habitat loss and fragmentation reduce the available area for wildlife, restricting food, shelter and breeding grounds.
• Fragmentation divides populations into small, isolated groups, leading to inbreeding and reduced genetic diversity.
• An example is the clearing of Tropical Rain Forests for agriculture and settlements, which leads to species extinction.
• Fragmentation causes edge effects, making populations more vulnerable to predators and environmental changes.