Why Do Populations That Fragment in Response to Climate Changes

Question

Why do populations that fragment in response to climate changes face a higher risk of extinction?
A) Population fragmentation leads to loss of genetic diversity.
B) Populations which have moved are subject to new predators.
C) Moving populations cannot breed as effectively.
D) The number of young decreases for several generations in new habitat.
E) All of the answer choices are correct.

Accepted Answer

Fragmentation leads to the separation of individuals, reducing the overall genetic diversity of the population. This can make the population more susceptible to diseases and other environmental stressors, increasing the risk of extinction.

Answer: B
 Moving populations may encounter new predators or competitors that they have not evolved to deal with. This increased predation pressure can decrease the population size and increase the likelihood of extinction.

Answer: C
 Moving populations may have difficulty finding mates or may not be able to breed with individuals already in the new area. This can decrease reproductive rates and lead to a decline in population size, increasing the risk of extinction.

Answer: D
 The move to a new habitat can lead to a decrease in the number of young produced for several generations. This can lead to a decline in population size and an increased risk of extinction.

Answer: E
 All of these factors can contribute to the increased risk of extinction for populations that fragment in response to climate change. Loss of genetic diversity, increased predation pressure, decreased reproductive rates, and decreased population size can all have a negative impact on the survival of a population.