How does urbanization impact wildlife?

Urbanization significantly alters landscapes through development, which often leads to habitat destruction. As cities and towns expand, natural habitats are converted into buildings, roads, and other infrastructure, reducing the available space for wildlife. This loss of habitat can stress local wildlife populations, forcing them to find smaller, often fragmented areas in which to live, making it difficult for species to thrive.

Additionally, urban areas tend to accumulate pollutants such as chemicals, waste, and noise, which can lead to increased danger for wildlife. Pollution can affect air quality, water sources, and soil health, ultimately harming the species that rely on these environments. By overwhelming natural ecosystems with urban developments, both habitat and environmental quality decline, negatively impacting biodiversity and the overall health of wildlife populations.

In contrast, options suggesting urbanization increases biodiversity, creates more habitats, or enhances food supply for wildlife do not reflect the typical consequences of this phenomenon. Urban areas often support fewer species due to the destructive transformation of ecosystems, which leads to a decline in the diversity of life.