Conservation biologists have debated whether protected areas should be designed as a single large patch or as several small patches. Assuming that the total area is the same for the two designs, which one or more of the options describe(s) the conservation benefit(s) of several small patches?
Show Hint
- Lower rates of local extinction
- Lower rates of diversification
- Lower spread of disease across the populations
- Lower population sizes
The Correct Option is C
Solution and Explanation
Multiple patches create a metapopulation: subpopulations are spatially separated, reducing transmission pathways and synchrony of disturbances.
Step 2: Evaluate options.
(A) Local extinction rates are typically \emph{higher} in small patches (smaller \(N\), stronger drift/demographic stochasticity) — not a benefit.
(B) Isolation among patches can \emph{increase} diversification (allopatric divergence), so “lower diversification” is not a benefit.
(C) Spatial separation reduces disease spread between patches \(\Rightarrow\) benefit — True.
(D) Smaller population sizes are a drawback, not a benefit — False. Final Answer:\quad \(\boxed{\text{(C)}}\)
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