Explain how habitat fragmentation reduces genetic diversity in a population of the Indian wild boar (Sus scrofa cristatus), mentioning at least three mechanisms.

Step-by-step solution

1. Step 1: Define habitat fragmentation as breaking a large habitat into smaller, isolated patches.
2. Step 2: Explain that isolation reduces dispersal of individuals between patches.
3. Step 3: State that limited dispersal leads to inbreeding within each sub‑population, decreasing heterozygosity.
4. Step 4: Point out that genetic drift becomes stronger in small, isolated groups, causing random loss of alleles.
5. Step 5: Note that reduced gene flow prevents rare alleles from spreading between patches, further shrinking genetic variation.
6. Step 6: Summarize that these mechanisms collectively lower the genetic diversity of the overall species.

Concept tested: Habitat fragmentation effects on genetics

Published 4 October 2026 · How this solution was prepared and checked