Final answer:
The high rate of species extinction today is primarily caused by human activity and is comparable to previous mass extinctions in Earth's history. Human activities such as habitat destruction, introduction of exotic species, and over-harvesting have greatly contributed to the increase in extinction rate. Global climate change, pollution, and human overpopulation are also significant factors in the rapid loss of species.
Step-by-step explanation:
The current rapid loss of species, beyond the background extinction rate, is thought to be due to human activity. Three major human activities have a significant impact on species loss: destruction of habitat, introduction of exotic species, and over-harvesting. These activities have caused the extinction rate to increase to a level comparable to the five previous mass extinctions in Earth's history. The current extinction crisis is primarily caused by us, and the growth of the human population is closely correlated with the rising extinction rate. Global climate change, pollution, and human overpopulation are all contributing factors to the rapid loss of species.