Which of the following statements about the causes of extinction are true? Check all that apply.

Question

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A) Probability of extinction varies inversely with population size. This means that smaller populations are at greater risk of extinction than larger populations. This is because smaller populations are more susceptible to random events, such as natural disasters or disease outbreaks, that can decimate their numbers.
B) Ten 10-hectare habitat patches is not the same as one 100-hectare patch. This refers to the fact that fragmented habitats are not as effective at supporting species as larger, intact habitats. Fragmentation can isolate populations and make it difficult for them to access resources or find mates.
C) Habitat loss is currently the major cause of extinction. This is supported by numerous studies and is widely accepted in the scientific community. Habitat loss can occur due to a variety of factors, such as deforestation, urbanization, and agricultural conversion.
D) The prehistoric megafauna of North America were spared from extinction because they coevolved with humans. This statement is false. The prehistoric megafauna of North America, such as mammoths and giant sloths, did not coevolve with humans and went extinct shortly after humans arrived on the continent. Overhunting and other factors have been proposed as potential causes of their extinction.
E) Probability of extinction is greatest for an endemic species. Endemic species are those that are found only in a specific geographic area, such as a particular island or mountain range. Because these species are often isolated and have small populations, they are at greater risk of extinction than more widespread species.

Which of the Following Statements About the Causes of Extinction