Final answer:
Mayhew and colleagues found that species diversity is lower during warm periods and this can be explained by higher extinction rates.
Step-by-step explanation:
The correct answer is D. lower species diversity during warm periods; higher extinction rates. Mayhew and colleagues found that species diversity is lower during warm periods and this can be explained by higher extinction rates. Climate change is recognized as a major extinction threat, particularly when combined with other threats such as habitat loss and the expansion of disease organisms.