Question

The Hawaiian Islands have gone through at least 2 waves of human colonization (in prehistoric times and again starting in the 17th and 18th centuries). Of the approximately 125 to 145 bird species that once inhabited the Hawaiian Islands before human colonization, 90 to 110 are now extinct. Which of the following is most likely TRUE when it comes to these extinctions?

A. Early human colonization devastated the larger species of birds through hunting.
B. Late human colonization devastated the natural habitats and food sources, such as flower nectar and fruit of the native species.
C. There is no known cause for these extinctions.
D. Both A and B.

Answer 1

The most likely true answer is D. Both A and B. Early human colonization devastated larger bird species through hunting, while late human colonization devastated natural habitats and food sources.

Step-by-step explanation:

The most likely true answer to the question is D. Both A and B. Early human colonization devastated the larger species of birds through hunting (Option A). Late human colonization devastated the natural habitats and food sources, such as flower nectar and fruit of the native species (Option B). These factors combined led to the extinction of a significant number of bird species in the Hawaiian Islands.