Which of the following is the most important cause of animals and plan...
Habitat loss and fragmentation
Habitat loss and fragmentation are considered the most important causes of animals and plants being driven to extinction for several reasons:
- Loss of suitable habitat: As human populations expand, natural habitats are being destroyed to make way for agriculture, urban development, and infrastructure projects. This loss of habitat reduces the available living space for animals and plants, making it difficult for them to survive and reproduce.
- Fragmentation of habitats: Habitat fragmentation occurs when large, continuous areas of habitat are divided into smaller, isolated patches. This can disrupt the movement of animals between different parts of their habitat, making it harder for them to find food, mates, and suitable breeding sites.
- Increased human-wildlife conflict: As natural habitats are destroyed and fragmented, animals are forced to venture into human settlements in search of food and shelter. This can lead to conflicts between humans and wildlife, resulting in the killing or displacement of animals.
- Disruption of ecosystems: Habitats provide essential services to ecosystems, such as regulating water flow, cycling nutrients, and providing food and shelter for a variety of species. When habitats are lost or fragmented, these ecosystem services are disrupted, leading to a decline in biodiversity and the collapse of entire ecosystems.
Overall, habitat loss and fragmentation have a profound impact on the survival of animals and plants, making it crucial to address these issues in order to prevent further extinctions.
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