Biology Regents Practice Exam

Which of the following best describes the phenomenon of habitat destruction?

1. Increase in biodiversity

2. Loss of species

3. Creation of new habitats

4. Improvement of ecosystem services

The correct answer is: Loss of species

Habitat destruction primarily refers to the process where natural habitats are altered or completely destroyed, often due to human activities such as deforestation, urbanization, and agriculture. This leads to a significant loss of biodiversity because many species depend on specific habitats for their survival, including food, shelter, and breeding grounds. When habitats are destroyed, the organisms that live in those environments often cannot survive or adapt quickly enough to new conditions, resulting in population declines and, ultimately, the extinction of some species. The phenomenon highlights how human impact on the environment can lead to a cascade of negative effects on ecosystems, significantly reducing the variety of life forms within those ecosystems. This decline in species abundance and variety directly connects to the overall health and balance of ecological systems, which rely on diversity to function effectively. Therefore, the best description of habitat destruction relates to the loss of species that occurs as habitats are compromised.