Which of the following can be a consequence of forest fragmentation?

Forest fragmentation can lead to decreased genetic diversity in wildlife populations due to the isolation of animal and plant groups. When forests are fragmented, various species may become separated into smaller, isolated patches of habitat. This isolation limits gene flow between populations, making it more difficult for them to share genetic material with one another. As a result, the small, isolated populations can suffer from inbreeding, which reduces genetic diversity and makes them more susceptible to diseases and environmental changes.

In addition, a decrease in genetic diversity can also hinder populations’ ability to adapt to changing conditions, such as climate change or habitat loss. Animals with more genetic variation have a better chance of surviving environmental changes because some individuals may possess traits that make them more resilient. Thus, decreased genetic diversity poses a significant threat to species survival and ecosystem stability when forests become fragmented.