Final answer:
Habitat edges can promote or deter species diversity by providing unique combinations of resources and creating new niches or microhabitats. So, the option a is correct.
Step-by-step explanation:
Habitat boundaries play a crucial role in shaping species diversity, with the potential to either enhance or diminish it.
Several factors, including the presence of diverse habitats and resources, exert influence on the composition and abundance of species in specific habitat edges.
Consider, for instance, a habitat boundary between a forest and a grassland, where the interface may harbor a richer assortment of plant and animal species compared to the interiors of either habitat.
The edge acts as a unique amalgamation of resources from both environments, fostering increased biodiversity.
Moreover, habitat edges can give rise to novel niches or microhabitats, attracting species with specialized adaptations.
An illustrative example is a forest edge basking in ample sunlight, which may draw plant species requiring greater light exposure for photosynthesis.
In essence, the dynamics of habitat edges contribute significantly to ecological diversity by providing a mosaic of resources and conditions that appeal to a variety of species.
Hence, the option a is correct, Habitat edges can promote or deter species diversity.