Which of the following factors has most significantly reduced the range of many natural biomes?

• A. Plate tectonics
• B. Natural succession processes
• C. Increased volcanic activity
• D. Human activities such as deforestation and urbanization

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of biomes: Biomes are large ecological areas on Earth's surface, with flora and fauna adapting to their environment. Examples include forests, grasslands, deserts, and tundras.
2. Recognize the factors listed in the question: Plate tectonics, natural succession processes, increased volcanic activity, and human activities such as deforestation and urbanization.
3. Analyze the impact of each factor: Plate tectonics and volcanic activity occur over geological timescales and typically do not significantly reduce biome ranges in the short term. Natural succession processes are part of ecosystem dynamics and do not drastically reduce biome ranges.
4. Focus on human activities: Human activities such as deforestation, urbanization, agriculture, and industrialization have rapidly altered landscapes, leading to habitat destruction, fragmentation, and loss of biodiversity. These activities have significantly reduced the range of many natural biomes.
5. Conclude that human activities are the most significant factor in reducing the range of natural biomes, as they occur on a much faster timescale and have a more direct and widespread impact compared to natural processes.