Final answer:
The five primary causes of biodiversity loss include habitat destruction, overharvesting, invasive species, climate change, and pollution, each disproportionately influenced by human actions and the unsustainable use of natural resources.
Step-by-step explanation:
Primary Causes of Biodiversity Loss
The five primary causes of biodiversity loss are:
- Habitat destruction: For example, deforestation for agriculture reduces the living spaces for many species.
- Overharvesting: Overfishing in certain marine ecosystems has led to the decline of fish species.
- Invasive species: The introduction of non-native species like the Burmese python in the Everglades has led to declines in native wildlife.
- Climate change: Polar bears suffer as melting sea ice reduces their hunting grounds.
- Pollution: Chemical runoff into rivers can cause toxic environments for aquatic life.
These are direct results of human population growth and unsustainable resource use, as well as increased global mobility and trade.