Anthropogenic extinction means

Options

A. the extinction of apes
B. extinction due to introduction of exotic species
C. catastrophic extinction
D. extinction due to human activities

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding Extinction**: Extinction refers to the complete loss of a species from the planet, which results in a decrease in biodiversity. This includes both plant (flora) and animal (fauna) species.

2. **Causes of Extinction**: Various factors can lead to extinction, including:
- Loss of habitat (e.g., deforestation)
- Overexploitation (e.g., hunting, fishing)
- Introduction of exotic or alien species that disrupt local ecosystems

3. **Defining Anthropogenic**: The term "anthropogenic" refers to anything that is caused or influenced by humans. Thus, anthropogenic extinction specifically relates to species extinction that results from human activities.

4. **Human Activities Leading to Extinction**: Some key human activities that contribute to anthropogenic extinction include:
- Deforestation for agriculture, urban development, and industrial purposes
- Overhunting and poaching of animals for food, sport, or trade
- Overfishing, which depletes fish populations and disrupts marine ecosystems

5. **Evaluating the Options**:
- **Option A**: Extinction of apes - Incorrect, as this occurred due to natural factors, not directly due to human activities.
- **Option B**: Extinction due to introduction of exotic species - While this is a factor, it is not solely due to human actions, making it less accurate.
- **Option C**: Catastrophic extinction - This refers to large-scale extinctions caused by natural disasters, not primarily human actions.
- **Option D**: Extinction due to human activities - Correct, as it encompasses all the ways human actions lead to biodiversity loss.

6. **Conclusion**: The correct answer to the question "Anthropogenic extinction means" is **Option D: extinction due to human activities**.

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