Description: Habitat fragmentation is an ecological process that refers to the loss of natural habitat, resulting in the division of large areas of habitat into smaller, isolated patches. This phenomenon can be caused by various human activities, such as urbanization, agriculture, infrastructure development, and deforestation. Fragmentation affects biodiversity, as smaller habitat patches may not be sufficient to sustain viable populations of species, potentially leading to local extinction. Additionally, fragmentation alters ecological dynamics, such as species dispersal, pollination, and predator-prey interactions. Fragmented habitats may experience changes in their microclimate and resource availability, further impacting the species that depend on them. Habitat fragmentation can also facilitate the invasion of non-native species, which can compete with local species and disrupt ecosystems. In summary, habitat fragmentation is a critical phenomenon in ecology that has profound implications for biodiversity conservation and ecosystem health.
