Out of the given causes, which one is the most important cause driving animals and plants to extinction?

Options

A. Alien species invasions
B. Over-exploitation
C. Habitat loss
D. Co-extinctions

Answer

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding the Causes of Extinction**: The question asks about the most important cause driving animals and plants to extinction. We need to evaluate the given options: alien species invasion, overexploitation, habitat loss, and coextinctions.

2. **Analyzing Alien Species Invasion**:
- Alien species are those that are introduced to an ecosystem where they do not naturally belong.
- These species can outcompete native species for resources, leading to the decline or extinction of native species.
- Example: Water hyacinth competing with native aquatic plants.

3. **Evaluating Overexploitation**:
- Overexploitation refers to the excessive use of natural resources, often due to increasing human population and demand.
- This can lead to the depletion of species, making them vulnerable to extinction.
- Example: Overfishing can drastically reduce fish populations.

4. **Considering Habitat Loss**:
- Habitat loss is primarily caused by human activities such as deforestation, urbanization, and agriculture.
- When animals lose their natural habitats, they cannot survive, leading to extinction.
- Example: The significant reduction of tropical rainforests has led to a loss of biodiversity.

5. **Understanding Co-extinction**:
- Co-extinction occurs when one species becomes extinct, leading to the extinction of another species that is dependent on it.
- While this is a serious issue, it is often a consequence of other factors rather than a primary cause of extinction.

6. **Conclusion**:
- After analyzing all the options, habitat loss emerges as the most significant cause of extinction for both animals and plants. It is the primary driver of biodiversity loss.

### Final Answer:
The most important cause driving animals and plants to extinction is **habitat loss**.

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