Final answer:
Loss of biodiversity has occurred multiple times in Earth's history. Four examples include mass extinctions, habitat destruction, invasive species, and over-harvesting.
Step-by-step explanation:
The loss of biodiversity has occurred multiple times in Earth's history. Here are four examples of decreased biodiversity:
- Mass extinctions: There have been five mass extinctions in Earth's history that have resulted in significant loss of biodiversity. These events, such as the extinction of the dinosaurs, caused a large number of species to go extinct.
- Habitat destruction: Activities like farming, logging, fishing, and construction have led to the destruction of natural habitats, resulting in the loss of species that depend on those habitats.
- Invasive species: The introduction of non-native species into ecosystems can disrupt the balance and lead to the decline or extinction of native species.
- Over-harvesting: The excessive harvesting of certain species, such as overfishing, can deplete populations to the point of endangerment or extinction.