Today in our environmental science lecture, we're discussing the impact of urban development on local wildlife. One key example is the city of Melbourne, where researchers monitored the population of native possums over a decade. They found that while the overall number of possums remained stable, their habitat range shrank by 30%. This was mainly due to the construction of new roads and housing, which fragmented their natural corridors. Interestingly, the introduction of artificial nesting boxes in parks helped increase breeding success by 15%. However, the researchers noted that such measures are not a long-term solution unless we preserve larger green spaces.
❓ According to the lecture, what was the main effect of urban development on possums in Melbourne?
A. A. Their total population decreased significantly.
B. B. Their living area became smaller and fragmented.
C. C. They completely disappeared from the city.
D. D. Their breeding rate dropped by 30%.
✅ 正确答案
B. Their living area became smaller and fragmented.