Final answer:
The demise of many species of finch was caused by a combination of drought and food scarcity, habitat destruction, and competition with invasive species.
Step-by-step explanation:
The demise of many species of finch was primarily caused by a combination of environmental changes. These changes include:
Drought and food scarcity: A drought on the Galápagos island of Daphne Major caused a reduction in the number of small seeds available to finches, resulting in the death of many small-beaked finches.
Habitat destruction: Habitat loss and fragmentation are considered the most significant drivers of species extinction worldwide. When natural habitats are altered dramatically, plant and animal populations are destroyed or displaced, leading to a loss of biodiversity.
Competition with invasive species: When an invasive species enters a community, it can alter the community structure, potentially leading to the extinction of economically important species, reduced predation on some native species, and increased predation on other native species.
Therefore, the correct answer is D) All of the above.