Which environmental factor is commonly associated with the decline in certain organism populations?

Air pollution has been widely documented as a significant environmental factor contributing to the decline in various organism populations. Pollutants released into the air, such as particulate matter, toxic chemicals, and greenhouse gases, can have detrimental effects on both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. These pollutants can lead to respiratory problems in animals, disrupt reproductive systems, and deteriorate overall habitat quality.

Moreover, air pollution often results in acid rain, which can alter soil chemistry and negatively impact plant life, ultimately affecting the entire food chain. Impaired plants cannot support herbivore populations, which in turn influences predator species. This cascading effect exemplifies how air pollution can lead to a decline in organism populations not just directly, but also indirectly through its impact on ecosystems.

In contrast, the other options may influence populations but do not encompass the broad and systemic impact of air pollution on diverse species across various habitats.