Final answer:
Humans have caused significant environmental changes leading to biodiversity loss. These include habitat loss, overharvesting, introduction of exotic species, and anthropogenic climate change. Each of these threatens the survival and diversity of species in different yet profound ways.
Step-by-step explanation:
Major Human-Caused Environmental Changes and Their Consequences
Habitat loss is one of the most significant threats to biodiversity, often resulting from deforestation and urban expansion. This leads to the fragmentation of ecosystems, making it difficult for species to survive and adapt. Overharvesting is especially detrimental to aquatic life and animals hunted for bush meat, leading to population declines and even extinction. The introduction of exotic species disrupts local ecosystems, outcompeting native species and causing a loss in biodiversity. Lastly, anthropogenic climate change, driven by the use of fossil fuels, is altering habitats, affecting species' adaptability and leading to potentially significant impacts on biodiversity including the extinction of species, particularly in sensitive regions like the Arctic.