Final answer:
The statement is true; larger habitat patches typically support more species and individuals due to a greater diversity of habitats, larger population sizes, and more niches than smaller ones.
Step-by-step explanation:
True: Large habitat patches typically contain more individuals and species than smaller habitat patches. The explanation for this is rooted in ecological principles. Larger habitats are capable of supporting a higher diversity of habitats within their bounds, providing a range of niches for different species to inhabit. They also support larger populations, which can be more resilient and less vulnerable to extinction. This concept is known as the species-area relationship and is confirmed by substantial research across various taxa, including birds, butterflies, and plants.
Larger habitats present as islands of biodiversity in a sea of less suitable environments, offering more abundant resources and optimal conditions for more species richness. In contrast, smaller habitats are not only less diverse but also suffer greater risks of species loss due to the inability to support viable population sizes for a breadth of species. Conservation efforts often focus on protecting larger patches of habitat or connecting smaller patches to emulate the benefits of larger, contiguous areas for wildlife conservation.