The sixth mass extinction currently in progress differs from earlier mass extinctions because

Options

A. The rates of extinction are lesser
B. Megafauna would be unaffected
C. It is driven by human activities
D. Only terrestrial species will be lost

Answer

To answer the question regarding how the sixth mass extinction differs from earlier mass extinctions, we can break it down into the following steps:

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Identify the Current Mass Extinction**:
The sixth mass extinction is also known as the Holocene extinction, which is currently ongoing.

2. **Understand the Cause of the Sixth Mass Extinction**:
Unlike previous mass extinctions that were primarily caused by natural events (like volcanic eruptions, asteroid impacts, etc.), the sixth mass extinction is largely driven by human activities. This includes habitat destruction, climate change, pollution, overfishing, and the introduction of invasive species.

3. **Compare with Earlier Mass Extinctions**:
Earlier mass extinctions, such as the Permian-Triassic extinction or the Cretaceous-Paleogene extinction, were caused by natural phenomena. The current extinction is unique because it is primarily a result of anthropogenic (human-induced) factors.

4. **Evaluate the Options Given**:
- **Option A**: The rate of extinction is lesser - This is incorrect; the current rate of extinction is significantly higher.
- **Option B**: Megafauna would be lost - This is not a distinguishing factor; many species are at risk, not just megafauna.
- **Option C**: Only terrestrial species will be lost - This is incorrect; both terrestrial and aquatic species are at risk.
- **Option D**: It is driven by human activities - This is the correct answer, as it highlights the unique cause of the current extinction event.

5. **Conclude the Answer**:
The sixth mass extinction differs from earlier mass extinctions primarily because it is driven by human activities.

### Final Answer:
The sixth mass extinction currently in progress differs from earlier mass extinctions because it is driven by human activities.