Which of the following is NOT a factor contributing to forest fragmentation?

Increased biodiversity is not a factor contributing to forest fragmentation. Forest fragmentation refers to the process where large, continuous tracts of forest are divided into smaller, isolated patches due to human activities such as agricultural expansion, urban development, and infrastructure expansion. These activities disrupt the connectivity of forest habitats, potentially leading to decreased habitat availability for many species, which can negatively affect biodiversity.

In contrast, increased biodiversity typically arises in more diverse and interconnected habitats, where various species can coexist and interact beneficially. Fragmentation generally leads to a decline in biodiversity as species struggle to survive in isolated patches of habitat, thereby contradicting the idea that it would contribute positively to biodiversity levels. Instead, a more fragmented forest landscape tends to reduce the resilience and biodiversity of the ecosystem.