Habitat Fragmentation Flashcards
(14 cards)
What is habitat fragmentation?
An alteration process of habitat loss
What is habitat degradation?
The gradual deterioration of habitat quality
How much coverage do intact habitats have?
90% or more
How much coverage does variegated habitats have?
60-90% coverage and a greater degree of landscape heterogeneity
How much coverage do fragmented habitats have?
10-60% and seen in small non continuous fragments
How much coverage do relictual habitats have?
Less than 10% and it is the most extreme case
What are causes of habitat fragmentation?
Forest fires, farming, forestry, buildings, damns, etc.
What causes gaps in the original cover?
The presence of altered cover such as invasive species
What does the survival of individuals depend on?
The persistence of a constellation of separate patches, increasing the chances of recolonization.
Does core habitat or total habitat matter more for species?
Core habitat- more regulated, less exposed
What other concept is habitat fragmentation similar to?
Island biogeography
Genetic and species level changes
Reduced gene flow, loss of genetic variation, resulting from altered migration and reduction in population size
Population and community level changes
Changes in water quality conditions, genetic population isolation, changes in ecosystem function
Ecosystem and landscape level changes
Extirpated species result of altered habitat may trigger cascade effects
