Habitat Transformation & Fragmentation

Question 1

Transformation

Answer 1

(Loss or destruction)

If a habitat is changed so considerably that it loses its former nature and function

Question 2

Habitat degradation

Answer 2

(Alteration)
When a habitat is changed so it loses some of its function and species, though the change may not be complete or permanent

Question 3

Vegetation condition

Answer 3

Generalized measure of ecosystem function and habitat suitability for native biota

Question 4

Habitat fragmentation

Answer 4

A consequence of habitat loss

Transformation of large contiguous habitat into smaller pieces

Question 5

Island biogeography theory

Answer 5

The size of an oceanic island and its distance from a continental source of colonizing species determine the number of species present on the island

Question 6

Metapopulation theory

Answer 6

– A ‘metapopulation’ is a set of spatially separated groups of conspecific individuals.
– local populations of organisms undergo periodic colonization and extinction.
– the metapopulation as a whole persists indefinitely.

Question 7

Factors affecting extinction

Answer 7

– Demographic stochasticity
– Genetic stochasticity
– Environmental stochasticity
– Habitat loss (deterministic)

Question 8

Effects of habitat fragmentation

Answer 8

– gene flow
– wind movement
– ecosystem productivity

– species effects
– dispersal