How does habitat fragmentation impact biodiversity?

Habitat fragmentation significantly impacts biodiversity by leading to population isolation and increasing extinction risks. When large habitats are divided into smaller, more isolated patches, the connectivity among various populations decreases. This fragmentation can reduce the genetic diversity within these isolated populations because individuals have fewer opportunities to interbreed with others, which can lead to inbreeding and decreased genetic health.

Additionally, isolated populations are more vulnerable to extinction due to various stressors, such as environmental changes, disease outbreaks, or random catastrophic events. Small, isolated populations may struggle to maintain viable numbers, leading to a decline in their survival rate. As extinction rates increase and populations dwindle, overall biodiversity in the ecosystem suffers.

In contrast, the other options do not align with the primary consequences of habitat fragmentation. It does not increase species diversity, as fragmentation typically disrupts habitats and can lead to a loss of species. Enhanced gene flow would be less likely, as fragmentation restricts movement and interaction among populations. Lastly, habitat fragmentation inherently contradicts the idea of creating larger, interconnected ecosystems, which are typically more stable and resilient, allowing for greater biodiversity.