Human settlement often leads to habitat loss which leads to fragmentation, forming smaller patches of habitats. Select the statements that describe how a small patch differs from a large patch of the same habitat.

(i) Invasive species will never be seen here.

(ii) Population of large animals decreases.

(iii) Biodiversity decreases.

(iv) Competition from surrounding habitats increases.

The correct option is (ii), (iii) and (iv) only.

Let us analyze each statement step-by-step to understand why this option is correct:

Statement (i): "Invasive species will never be seen here."
This statement is incorrect. Smaller habitat patches have a higher ratio of edge to interior (known as the edge effect). This makes them more vulnerable to disturbances and makes it easier for invasive species from surrounding areas to penetrate and establish themselves in the patch. Therefore, invasive species are actually more likely to be found in smaller patches, not "never seen".

Statement (ii): "Population of large animals decreases."
This statement is correct. Large animals typically require vast, contiguous home ranges to find sufficient food, mates, and shelter. When a habitat is fragmented into smaller patches, these patches cannot support the resource demands of large animals, leading to a decline in their population size or their complete local extinction.

Statement (iii): "Biodiversity decreases."
This statement is correct. Smaller habitat patches support smaller population sizes of various species, which increases their vulnerability to local extinction due to genetic drift, inbreeding, and environmental fluctuations. Consequently, overall species richness and biodiversity decline in smaller patches compared to larger, continuous habitats.

Statement (iv): "Competition from surrounding habitats increases."
This statement is correct. Because smaller patches have a larger perimeter relative to their area, they experience a greater influence from the surrounding modified landscape (matrix). Generalist species, predators, and competitors from the surrounding habitats can easily enter the small patch, leading to increased competition for the native species residing within it.

Since statements (ii), (iii), and (iv) are correct and describe how a small patch differs from a large patch, the correct choice is (ii), (iii) and (iv) only.