Final answer:
The most significant anthropogenic driver of species extinction today is habitat loss, along with the introduction of exotic species, overharvesting, and climate change, which is predicted to be a significant cause of extinction in the coming century.
Step-by-step explanation:
The most significant anthropogenic driver of species extinction recognized today is habitat loss. Other critical factors contributing to biodiversity decline include the introduction of exotic species, overharvesting, and climate change. Habitat loss has been primarily a result of human activities such as agriculture, urbanization, forestry, and mining, which have altered or destroyed vast areas of land.
The introduction of exotic species through increased global mobility and trade has led to a decline in native populations and the extinction of species, particularly on islands and in lakes. Overharvesting, especially of aquatic species and in tropical regions for bush meat, has also significantly affected biodiversity.
While anthropogenic climate change has had a comparatively smaller impact so far, it is predicted to become a significant driver of extinction later this century as it alters regional climates, precipitation patterns, and forces species to shift their ranges, competing with other species for survival.
Climate change, caused by the burning of fossil fuels and deforestation, leads to increased levels of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and methane in the atmosphere, resulting in global warming. This warming trend is affecting habitats by making them less hospitable, thereby threatening the existence of numerous species.
Predictions indicate that, depending on the unfolding climate scenario, between 15 to 37 percent of species could be threatened with extinction in the next 50 years due to climate change.