Life: The Science of Biology 11th Edition

Published by W. H. Freeman
ISBN 10: 1-31901-016-4
ISBN 13: 978-1-31901-016-4

Chapter 58 - A Changing Biosphere - 58.3 - Protecting Biodiversity Requires Conservation and Management Strategies - 58.3 Recap - Learning Outcomes - Page 1266: 2

Answer

Smaller habitats cannot sustain as many organisms as larger areas because of the prevalence of edge effects. These effects include higher temperatures and lower humidity near the edges, which may put pressure on the livelihoods of certain organisms. Fragmented habitats also increase the likelihood of genetic drift when the metapopulations are unable to mate with one another.

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