NPTEL Wildlife Ecology Practice Exam

Habitat corridors play a crucial role in wildlife conservation by connecting fragmented habitats, allowing for the movement of species between these areas. This connectivity is essential for several reasons.

Firstly, by promoting migration, corridors allow animals to move in search of resources such as food, mates, and suitable habitats, especially as environmental conditions change. This movement is vital for maintaining healthy populations and mitigating the risks associated with habitat loss.

Secondly, corridors contribute to genetic diversity by enabling populations that are otherwise isolated to interbreed. Increased genetic diversity is vital for the resilience of species, helping them to adapt to changing environments and resist diseases. By facilitating gene flow between different populations, habitat corridors thereby bolster the overall health and viability of species over time.

In contrast, options suggesting that corridors isolate populations or reduce genetic diversity contradict the primary function of corridors. Furthermore, while conservation measures are still necessary, corridors do not eliminate their need; they are a component in a broader strategy for wildlife management and protection.