How do human activities lead to habitat destruction?

Study for the Ecology Regents Test. Utilize flashcards and multiple choice questions with hints and explanations. Prepare thoroughly for your exam!

Human activities lead to habitat destruction primarily through urban development and resource extraction. Urban development involves the expansion of cities and towns, which often requires clearing land that was previously natural habitat for wildlife. This can include forests, wetlands, and grasslands. As more land is developed for residential, commercial, and industrial use, the natural ecosystems are disrupted, resulting in loss of habitat for countless species.

Additionally, resource extraction activities, such as mining, logging, and drilling for oil, also have significant impacts. These activities not only remove natural vegetation and soil but also often lead to pollution and degradation of the surrounding environment. The disturbance caused by these practices can lead to fragmentation of habitats, making it more difficult for species to find food, reproduce, and migrate, ultimately reducing biodiversity.

In contrast, the other options relate to positive ecological impacts such as increased biodiversity, species adaptation, and conservation efforts, which do not contribute to habitat destruction. They highlight actions that generally support ecological stability rather than harm it.

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