CIOB Live Knowledge Practice Test

The main idea here is how land use changes and construction practices hurt biodiversity through habitat loss and fragmentation. When natural habitats are removed or broken into small, isolated patches, populations become smaller and more isolated. That reduces both the variety of species present (species diversity) and the genetic variation within those species (genetic diversity) because smaller, separated groups experience less gene flow and more inbreeding. Fragmentation also makes it harder for species to move or migrate to new or broader habitats, constraining them to a limited geographical range. So the scenario describes a loss of species diversity and genetic diversity, along with barriers to migration and a reduced ability to occupy a wide range of habitats. That’s why this option is the best fit. The other possibilities imply promoting movement or occupying fewer habitats in a way that doesn’t match how habitat loss and fragmentation typically restrict distribution and gene flow.