Which of the following human activities has most significantly contributed to recent extinction events?

• A. Natural fluctuations in solar radiation
• B. Increased volcanic activity
• C. Plate tectonics causing continental drift
• D. Habitat destruction due to deforestation and urbanization

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of extinction events: Extinction events refer to the loss of species from ecosystems, often caused by significant environmental changes or human activities.
2. Analyze the options provided: Natural fluctuations in solar radiation, increased volcanic activity, and plate tectonics causing continental drift are natural processes that can influence ecosystems but are not the primary drivers of recent extinction events.
3. Focus on human activities: Habitat destruction due to deforestation and urbanization is a direct result of human actions, leading to loss of biodiversity by eliminating natural habitats for plants and animals.
4. Explain the impact of habitat destruction: Deforestation removes forests that serve as critical habitats, while urbanization replaces natural ecosystems with cities and infrastructure, reducing the space available for wildlife.
5. Conclude the reasoning: Among the options provided, habitat destruction due to deforestation and urbanization is the most significant contributor to recent extinction events because it directly disrupts ecosystems and leads to species loss.