How does urbanization affect biodiversity?

Urbanization significantly affects biodiversity, primarily by decreasing species diversity through habitat loss. As urban areas expand, natural habitats such as forests, wetlands, and grasslands are often cleared to make way for buildings, roads, and other infrastructure. This habitat destruction leads to the displacement of many species that rely on these ecosystems for food, shelter, and breeding.

Moreover, the remaining habitats may become fragmented, isolating animal populations and making it more difficult for them to find mates, food sources, and migration routes. This fragmentation can lead to a reduction in genetic diversity, as smaller populations are more vulnerable to inbreeding and other genetic issues. Overall, as urban environments expand, the capacity of the landscape to support a variety of species diminishes, resulting in a decline in biodiversity.

Understanding the consequences of urbanization on biodiversity is critical for developing conservation strategies and urban planning approaches that can help mitigate these impacts.