Correct Answer: (d) Mankind’s over-exploitation/misuse of natural resources, fragmentation/loss of natural habitats, destruction of ecosystems, pollution and global climate change
Solution:During the past 500 million years, there were five ‘mass extinctions’ during which many species rapidly died. Now scientists warn that the sixth mass extinction of life on Earth is unfolding more quickly than feared and humans are the primary cause, who are pursuing a ‘biological annihilation’ that is coming faster than feared. According to a study published in journal ‘Science’ in July, 2017 the planet is on the verge of witnessing sixth mass extinction phase. Previous mass extinctions were due to natural climate changes, huge volcanic eruptions or catastrophic meteor strikes. But the one is due to human activities such as deforestation, overpopulation, pollution, poaching and extreme weather events tied to man-caused global warming, the study said.