Among the following, which is broadly considered the leading direct cause of species extinction and biodiversity loss in the modern era?

💡 Explanation:

Habitat loss and fragmentation is widely recognized by scientists and conservation organizations as the most significant direct driver of species extinction and biodiversity decline globally, as it directly removes or degrades the environments species need to survive. While climate change, pollution, and overexploitation are also critical threats, habitat loss is often the immediate and most pervasive factor.