What is one consequence of habitat fragmentation on wildlife?

Habitat fragmentation refers to the process by which large, continuous habitats are divided into smaller, isolated patches due to human activities such as urban development, agriculture, and road construction. One of the most significant consequences of this fragmentation is the isolation of wildlife populations. When animals are separated into smaller groups, they can no longer interact or breed with other groups. This isolation can lead to a reduction in genetic diversity, as smaller populations often have a limited gene pool. Reduced genetic diversity can make populations more vulnerable to diseases, decrease their adaptability to environmental changes, and increase the likelihood of inbreeding. These factors can ultimately threaten the survival of species in fragmented habitats. Therefore, the option reflecting that habitat fragmentation isolates populations and reduces genetic diversity accurately captures a critical impact of this ecological issue.