Final answer:
An example of direct exploitation of wildlife is the hunting and decimation of the North American buffalo herds by European settlers in the 19th century. Another example is the extirpation of Pau-Brasil legume trees in eastern Brazil.
Step-by-step explanation:
An example of direct exploitation of wildlife is the hunting and decimation of the North American buffalo (bison) herds in the 19th century. Tens of millions of these ungulates once roamed the Great Plains, but they were driven to the brink of extinction by European settlers for their hides, meat, and sport hunting.
Another example is the extirpation of monodominant stands of Pau-Brasil legume trees from eastern Brazil. These trees were highly abundant and were exploited for their red dye and hardwood.
Direct exploitation of wildlife involves the extraction and use of animals, plants, or their products. It can lead to the overharvesting and potential extinction of species, resulting in negative impacts on ecosystems and biodiversity.