What is one of the consequences of habitat fragmentation?

Habitat fragmentation refers to the process where larger habitats are divided into smaller, isolated patches, which can have significant ecological consequences. One major consequence of habitat fragmentation is increased susceptibility to genetic drift.

As populations become isolated due to fragmentation, their size often decreases, which limits the gene pool. Smaller populations are more prone to genetic drift—a random change in allele frequencies that can lead to the loss of genetic variation over time. This loss of genetic diversity can impair the population's ability to adapt to changing environmental conditions and increase their risk of extinction.

In contrast, the other options do not align with the typical outcomes of habitat fragmentation. Increased genetic diversity is generally not a result of fragmentation, as isolated populations may not interbreed, leading to a reduction in genetic variation. Enhanced species interactions often decrease due to isolation, as fewer individuals from different species can encounter one another. Lastly, the expansion of species ranges is usually countered by fragmentation, as it generally restricts the movement of organisms and can prevent them from colonizing new areas.