Which of the following is NOT one of the four major causes (the 'Evil Quartet') responsible for the accelerated rates of species extinctions in the world?

Step-by-step solution

The accelerated rates of species extinctions are largely due to human activities. The four major causes are collectively called the 'Evil Quartet': 1. Habitat loss and fragmentation 2. Over-exploitation 3. Alien species invasion 4. Co-extinction Endemism refers to species confined to a specific region and not found anywhere else. It is a key criterion for identifying biodiversity hotspots for conservation, not a cause of species extinction. Answer: Endemism