What is a major biotic factor associated with the Holocene extinction?

The major biotic factor associated with the Holocene extinction is human activities. During the Holocene epoch, which began approximately 11,700 years ago, humans significantly influenced the environment and ecosystems. As Homo sapiens spread across the globe, they developed agriculture, altered landscapes, and increased hunting pressures on numerous species. This led to the decline and extinction of many large mammals, often referred to as megafauna, as well as other animals and plants.

Human activities are distinguished from other factors such as climate change, predation, and natural disasters, because they involve direct changes to the habitat and population dynamics through actions such as overhunting, habitat destruction, and the introduction of invasive species. These anthropogenic effects intensified as human populations grew and societies developed, significantly accelerating extinction rates compared to previous natural events. This connection highlights the profound impact humans have had on biodiversity during the Holocene era.