1. Habitat destruction: This is one of the leading causes of extinction today. As human populations grow and expand, they encroach on the natural habitats of animals, which can lead to their decline and eventually extinction.
2. Climate change: This is another major factor in extinction today. As the climate changes, it can alter the habitats of animals and make it difficult for them to survive. For example, a rise in sea levels may flood coastal habitats and force animals to move to new areas where they may not be able to find food or shelter.
3. Overexploitation: This occurs when a species is hunted or harvested at a rate that is unsustainable. For example, many species of fish have been overfished and their populations have declined to the point of extinction.
4. Pollution: This can also harm animals and lead to their extinction. For example, water pollution can contaminate drinking water and kill animals. Air pollution can also cause respiratory problems and other health issues that can lead to death.
5. Disease: Diseases can spread quickly through animal populations and cause their decline and eventually extinction. For example, the bubonic plague killed millions of people in the Middle Ages and also caused the extinction of several animal species.
6. Invasive species: These are species that are not native to an area and can outcompete native species for food, habitat, and other resources. Invasive species can also transmit diseases to native species and cause their decline and eventually extinction.
7. Natural disasters: These can also have a devastating impact on animal populations and can lead to their extinction. For example, a volcanic eruption can destroy a large amount of habitat and kill animals that live in the area. An earthquake can also cause widespread destruction and kill large numbers of animals.