You are particularly aware that the construction industry has had a significant impact on biodiversity loss with land use and construction practices contributing to the removal of natural habitats affecting the

• A. diversity of individual species, genetic diversity and promotes migration and the occupation of a wider range of habitats
• B. diversity of individual species, genetic diversity and prevents migration and the occupation of a smaller range of habitats
• C. diversity of individual species, genetic diversity and promotes migration and the occupation of a smaller range of habitats
• D. diversity of individual species, genetic diversity and prevents migration and the occupation of a wider range of habitats

Answer: (D)

The main idea here is how land use changes and construction practices hurt biodiversity through habitat loss and fragmentation. When natural habitats are removed or broken into small, isolated patches, populations become smaller and more isolated. That reduces both the variety of species present (species diversity) and the genetic variation within those species (genetic diversity) because smaller, separated groups experience less gene flow and more inbreeding. Fragmentation also makes it harder for species to move or migrate to new or broader habitats, constraining them to a limited geographical range. So the scenario describes a loss of species diversity and genetic diversity, along with barriers to migration and a reduced ability to occupy a wide range of habitats. That’s why this option is the best fit. The other possibilities imply promoting movement or occupying fewer habitats in a way that doesn’t match how habitat loss and fragmentation typically restrict distribution and gene flow.