A land developer and several ecologists are discussing how a parcel of private land should be developed while saving twenty hectares as natural habitat.The land developer suggests that the twenty hectares be divided into twenty separate one-hectare areas.The ecologists suggest that it would be better to have one intact parcel of twenty hectares.What is the significance of these different arrangements of the twenty hectares?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Isolated plots are more vulnerable to edge effects, meaning there is a greater chance of negative impacts on the habitat due to the surrounding environment. A larger, intact parcel will likely have a more stable environment and better overall habitat quality. The option of dividing the twenty hectares into twenty separate one-hectare areas may also impede the movement and dispersal of certain species.

A Land Developer and Several Ecologists Are Discussing How a Parcel