What is a critical factor that may lead to global extinction?

Human activity causing widespread ecosystem disruption is a critical factor that may lead to global extinction because it encompasses a variety of actions that significantly alter or destroy habitats, resources, and the delicate balance of ecosystems. This includes deforestation, pollution, urban development, overfishing, and industrial practices that not only reduce biodiversity but also degrade environmental conditions essential for species survival.

When ecosystems are disrupted on a wide scale, it can result in species being unable to adapt quickly enough to the changes, leading to population declines and, eventually, extinction. The loss of a single species can have cascading effects throughout an ecosystem, further exacerbating the threats to other species. Widespread human impact often outpaces the ability of natural processes to reconcile the disruptions, making it a crucial factor in the risk of global extinction events.

While localized habitat change, climate shifts leading to habitat loss, and migration of species to new areas are significant issues, they tend not to have the same immediate and extensive impact on global biodiversity as concentrated human activities that disrupt multiple ecosystems simultaneously.