A land developer and several ecologists are discussing how a parcel of private land should be developed with housing while saving 20 hectares as natural habitat. The land developer suggests that the 20 hectares be divided into 20 separate 1-hectare areas, spread out across the area. The ecologists suggest that it would be better to have one intact parcel of 20 hectares on one side of the larger area. What is the significance of these different arrangements of the 20 hectares

Options for the question have not been provided. They are as follows:

A) The single intact parcel would have a smaller amount of edge than the 20 separate parcels.

B) The isolated hectare plots increase the ability of individuals to disperse from one habitat to another.

C) The separate 1-hectare plots are less vulnerable to edge effects.

D) The large plot will create more inbreeding in many species.

A) The single intact parcel would have a smaller amount of edge than the 20 separate parcels.

Explanation:

In the given case, 20 hectares of land has been allocated to natural habitat. This means that natural flora and fauna will flourish here without any human interference. In this situation it is better to have an intact 20 hectares area at one side of the land, rather than having 20 separately spread out 1 hectare areas. This is because having one large piece of land at one side will reduce the edge effect.

Edges occur where two different habitats meet. While edges can be beneficial when it comes to natural habitats because the boundary habitat increases overall biodiversity, it can be detrimental when the edges are due to human settlements. It will be difficult to avoid human interference as the natural habitats are scattered among human settlements. Each individual plot will also get less area due to which it will be difficult for all the species to accommodate comfortably. Many animals can venture out in search of food which can be dangerous to both animals and humans. It is better to have a big separate land at one corner so that everyone can survive peacefully.

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