Final answer:
The primary cause of extinction is habitat loss, caused by human activities such as agriculture and urbanization, which destroy or disrupt natural habitats, thereby leading to biodiversity loss and animal displacements.
Step-by-step explanation:
The number one cause of extinction is habitat loss. The destruction of natural habitats through agriculture, forestry, mining, urbanization, and other human activities has severely impacted biodiversity globally. While other factors such as the introduction of exotic species, overharvesting, and global climate change due to human activity also contribute significantly to extinctions, the predominant driving force is the loss of habitats.
This leads to plant and animal populations being destroyed or displaced, causing a loss of biodiversity. In some cases, habitats are not only reduced in size but also fragmented, which further threatens species’ survival.