Edge effects are often damaging to the biodiversity of the original habitat because they
A) increase pollution in the original habitat.
B) increase the amount of living space in the original habitat.
C) result in habitats more similar to the new habitat than to the original one.
D) result in habitats more similar to the original habitat than to the new one.
E) decrease competition among species in the original habitat.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Edge effects often result in the creation of habitats that are more similar to the new habitat than to the original one. This can occur because edges are often more disturbed and fragmented, resulting in changes to factors such as light, temperature, and moisture that favor species adapted to more open environments. As a result, the species that thrive in edge habitats are often those that are more generalist and adaptable, rather than those that are specialized to the original habitat. This can lead to a loss of biodiversity and a decrease in the conservation value of the original habitat. None of the other choices accurately describe the effects of edge habitats on biodiversity.

Edge Effects Are Often Damaging to the Biodiversity of the Original