Which situation would be considered an example of habitat degradation, as opposed to habitat loss or destruction?
A) Clearing land for agriculture
B) Clearing land to expand a city
C) Allowing land to be abandoned and badly eroded
D) Building a copper mine and leaving mine tailings in place
E) Building a hydroelectric dam and flooding the upstream area

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Habitat degradation refers to a decline in the quality of the habitat, rather than its complete destruction or loss. Allowing land to be abandoned and badly eroded is an example of habitat degradation as it reduces the habitat's carrying capacity and quality for supporting the native species. Clearing land for agriculture or urbanization, building a copper mine and leaving mine tailings in place, and building a hydroelectric dam and flooding the upstream area are all examples of habitat loss or destruction, as they result in the complete elimination of the habitat or a significant portion of it.

Which Situation Would Be Considered an Example of Habitat Degradation