Human Barriers & Fragmentation Quiz
Roads, cities, dams blocking migration (10 questions).
Human Barriers & Fragmentation Quiz: Quick Study Notes
Human infrastructure like roads, cities, and dams significantly impacts wildlife movement and ecosystem health. This quiz explores how these barriers lead to habitat fragmentation, disrupt migration patterns, and pose challenges for biodiversity. Understanding these human-made obstacles is crucial for developing effective conservation strategies.
Key Concepts
Key Takeaways
- Habitat fragmentation is the division of continuous habitats by human-made barriers.
- Roads contribute to fragmentation through direct mortality (roadkill) and creating psychological barriers (noise, light).
- Urbanization leads to habitat loss, pollution, and direct disturbance of wildlife.
- Dams are significant barriers for aquatic species, particularly those with anadromous or catadromous migration cycles.
- Fragmentation can reduce genetic diversity and increase the vulnerability of species to extinction.
- Conservation efforts include wildlife crossings, habitat corridors, and dam removal or fish ladders.
- Understanding the spatial impact of human infrastructure is key to mitigating its ecological footprint.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is habitat fragmentation?
Habitat fragmentation is the process by which continuous habitats are broken into smaller, isolated patches by human activities like road construction, urbanization, or agricultural expansion. This often restricts species movement and gene flow.
How do roads impact wildlife?
Roads impact wildlife by causing direct mortality (roadkill), acting as physical barriers preventing movement, increasing noise and light pollution, and facilitating the spread of invasive species. They can isolate populations and reduce genetic diversity.
What effect do dams have on fish migration?
Dams are significant barriers to fish migration, especially for anadromous species like salmon that need to travel upstream to spawn. They block migratory routes, alter water flow and temperature regimes, and can drown or injure fish trying to pass.
Can cities be designed to be more wildlife-friendly?
Yes, cities can incorporate wildlife-friendly designs such as green roofs, urban parks, habitat corridors (greenways), natural stormwater management, and reduction of light pollution to provide refuge and pathways for urban wildlife.
What are wildlife corridors?
Wildlife corridors are strips of habitat that connect isolated patches of natural habitat, allowing animals to move safely between them. They help counteract the negative effects of habitat fragmentation by promoting gene flow and population resilience.
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