What is a common effect of habitat destruction?

Habitat destruction significantly alters ecosystems, leading to a loss of species and an imbalance within ecosystems. When habitats are destroyed—such as forests, wetlands, or coral reefs—many organisms that depend on those specific environments for food, shelter, and breeding opportunities are displaced or perish. This results in a decline in biodiversity, as species that cannot adapt or relocate may go extinct.

Moreover, the disruption of species interactions can lead to imbalances. For example, if a predator is lost due to habitat destruction, this can result in an overpopulation of herbivores, which may further degrade the habitat and disrupt the food web. Similarly, the loss of plant species can affect pollinators and other animals that rely on those plants for survival.

In contrast, increased biodiversity, higher rates of natural selection, and improved habitat connectivity are generally not associated with habitat destruction. Instead, these outcomes are often linked to healthy, undisturbed ecosystems. Thus, the impact of habitat destruction is primarily observed through the loss of species and the resulting ecological imbalances.