What are the main threats to biodiversity?
The main threats to biodiversity are habitat loss and fragmentation, habitat degradation, introduced species, and over harvesting. • Habitat loss and fragmentation result from many processes including development, clearing land for agriculture, water diversion and logging. As more habitat is lost, the remaining fragments shrink and become more isolated from each other. This can keep animals from moving among fragments, which can increase inbreeding which results in decreased genetic diversity. • Habitat degradation involves disturbing key habitat features, such as extensive erosion or adding toxins to the soil or water. The most common causes of degradation are pollution and human recreation, such as off-road vehicles. Because habitat degradation is more subtle than habitat loss, its effects are often overlooked. • Introduced species are those that people have intentionally or inadvertently moved beyond their native range. Introduced species can wreak havoc on native species and ecosys
