Which of the following is not an example of a natural disturbance affecting plants and animals?

The correct choice is C, mining, because it represents a human-induced activity rather than a natural disturbance. Natural disturbances refer to events that occur due to natural processes in the environment and have significant effects on ecosystems and the organisms within them.

Examples like volcanic eruptions, wildfires, and floods are all naturally occurring phenomena. Volcanic eruptions can drastically alter landscapes, affect air quality, and change habitats through the deposition of lava and ash. Wildfires, while they can be exacerbated by human action, are a natural part of many ecosystems, helping to rejuvenate growth by clearing dead material and enabling certain seed types to germinate. Floods are also a natural occurrence that can reshape riverbanks and affect plant communities by depositing nutrients or altering the hydrology of an area.

In contrast, mining is a human-initiated activity that leads to significant environmental impacts such as habitat destruction and pollution, distinctly differentiating it from naturally occurring disturbances. Thus, mining does not fit the category of natural disturbances affecting plants and animals.