Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Habitat loss refers to the destruction or degradation of a natural environment where organisms live. It is primarily caused by human activities such as deforestation, urbanization, and pollution.
Biodiversity refers to the variety of life forms within an ecosystem. Habitat loss often leads to a decrease in biodiversity since many species rely on specific habitats for survival.
Fragmentation: Fragmentation occurs when large areas of intact habitat are divided into smaller, isolated patches. This can disrupt ecological processes and limit movement for certain species.
When habitats are destroyed or degraded, it puts many species at risk of becoming endangered or extinct. These species face significant challenges in finding suitable places to live and reproduce.