International Journal of Molecular Zoology 2024, Vol.14, No.2, 97-110 http://animalscipublisher.com/index.php/ijmz 101 on the ecosystems that these birds inhabit, as they play critical roles in processes such as seed dispersal and insect population control. Figure 1 Capture rates of breeding adults and young birds of the 3 nesting strategies (open cup, cavity, enclosed) (Adapted from Coddington et al., 2023) Image caption: Blue: primary forest; Orange: forest fragments before isolation; Red: fragments after isolation (Adapted from Coddington et al., 2023) 5 Impact on Bird Populations 5.1 Population dynamics and genetic diversity Habitat fragmentation significantly impacts the population dynamics and genetic diversity of bird species. Fragmentation often leads to smaller, isolated populations, which can result in reduced genetic diversity due to inbreeding and genetic drift. For instance, a study on the Worthen's sparrow (Spizella wortheni) found that despite high genetic diversity, the species' nomadic behavior might be a key factor in maintaining gene flow across fragmented landscapes, suggesting that behavioral adaptations can mitigate some negative genetic impacts of fragmentation (Canales-Delgadillo et al., 2012). Similarly, research on woodland birds in central Victoria, Australia, demonstrated that fragmentation impedes gene flow in less mobile species, leading to reduced genetic connectivity and potential long-term genetic consequences (Amos et al., 2014). Luther et al. (2020) compared the diversity and abundance of birds inside and outside forest fragments (the scattered forest patches left after deforestation) by setting up bird nets at different locations. The study aimed to
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