Which factor is most directly related to extinction events?

Study for the Grade 9 Biological Diversity Unit Exam. Dive into key topics with engaging questions and answers. Prepare for your test effectively!

The factor most directly related to extinction events is climate change and habitat loss. Throughout history, significant shifts in climate have drastically altered ecosystems, leading to changes in species distribution and, in many cases, the complete loss of habitats that organisms depend upon for survival. When climates change, the temperature, precipitation patterns, and seasonal cycles are affected, which can create conditions that many species are unable to adapt to quickly enough.

Habitat loss, often due to human activities such as deforestation, urbanization, and agriculture, further compounds these effects by reducing the natural spaces where species can thrive. When their habitats are disrupted or destroyed, species may find it challenging to find food, reproduce, and maintain their populations, leading to increased vulnerability to extinction.

Although natural disasters can also contribute to extinction events, their effects are typically more localized or temporary compared to the widespread and ongoing pressures exerted by climate change and habitat destruction. An increase in population numbers, on its own, may not directly cause extinction; rather, it often leads to more competition for resources, which can stress ecosystems. Improved conservation practices, while vital for protecting biodiversity, do not directly relate to the occurrence of extinction events themselves. Instead, they aim to mitigate the factors like climate change and habitat loss

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