What occurs when habitat loss and pollution impact species in a specific region?

When habitat loss and pollution impact species in a specific region, extirpation refers to the local extinction of a species from a particular area, even though the species may continue to exist elsewhere. This phenomenon occurs when an environmental change—such as loss of habitat or degradation from pollution—renders the conditions necessary for survival within that local ecosystem inadequate. As a result, species may no longer be able to thrive or reproduce effectively in that specific location, leading to their eventual disappearance from that area. This concept highlights the severe implications of environmental distress on biodiversity and the stability of ecosystems.

The other options present scenarios that do not directly relate to the immediate consequences of habitat loss and pollution. For instance, species migration involves relocating to more favorable habitats and does not signify extinction. Habitat restoration refers to efforts aimed at repairing damage but does not occur as a direct effect of habitat loss and pollution; it's a subsequent action taken to improve conditions. Lastly, populational recovery pertains to the rebound of a species' numbers after a decline, which is unlikely in the scenario of localized extinction caused by the detrimental effects of habitat loss and pollution.