Chapter 5, Problem 21A

Summary Introduction

Introduction :

Biodiversity is the variety of life in an area which is determined by the number of various species in that area. Biodiversity contributes to the health of the biosphere and increases the stability of an ecosystem. The separation of an ecosystem into small pieces of land is known as habitat fragmentation. Edge effects are various environmental situations that occur along the boundaries of an ecosystem.

Answer to Problem 21A

Correct answer :

The correct answer is option (A) A.

Explanation of Solution

Explanation/justification for the correct answer :

Option (A) A. The image of habitat A naturally supports the greater amount of biodiversity because, the habitat A is not disrupted by roads like habitat B. The smaller habitat size has the greater percentage of the habitat which is subject to edge effect. The edge effect of habitat B is greater than habitat A. So, the correct answer is option (A).

Explanation for incorrect answer :

Option (B) B. The habitat size of image A is equal to the habitat size of image B. But in the image B the habitat has more patches that lead to edge effects. Therefore, the areas of habitat B become less. In a big area we can be able to see more biodiversity. So, this is an incorrect option.

Option (C) A and B equally. The habitat size of A and B is equal but the impact of edge effect on habitat B is more that habitat A. Therefore, the biodiversity of habitat A is greater than the habitat B. So, this is an incorrect answer.

Option (D) Neither A or B. The habitat A naturally supports the greater amount of biodiversity than habitat B. So, this is an incorrect answer.