Increased isolation of habitats restricts gene flow between populations, limiting the exchange of genetic material and thereby lowering genetic diversity.
Increased isolation of habitats, as elaborated on page 4 of the article, has profound implications for the genetic diversity of populations. In ecological terms, isolation creates barriers that impede the movement and interaction of individuals between distinct habitats. This restricted connectivity hinders the natural flow of genes between populations, a phenomenon known as gene flow.
Gene flow is crucial for maintaining genetic diversity within populations. It involves the exchange of genetic material, introducing new variations and alleles into the gene pool. When habitats become more isolated, the opportunities for individuals from different populations to interbreed and share genetic information diminish.
As a consequence, the isolated populations start to evolve independently, and their gene pools diverge over time. With limited gene flow, genetic diversity within each population decreases. This reduction in genetic diversity has repercussions for the population's ability to adapt to environmental changes, resist diseases, and withstand other selective pressures.