Can I understand 'account for' as 'take up'?

[Liqichao]

hello,
here is the sentence: small carriers and non-passenger operations tend to account for the majority of the accidents.
can I understand 'account for' as 'take up'? how should I use this phrase.

thank you for your answers

[Alan]

Hi,

I would use 'make up' as an alternative to 'account for' in your sentence.

Alan
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[Molly]

are the reason for/are responsible for

[Yankee]

.
The phrase "are the reason for" is not a good alternative for liqichao's sentence.
.

[Nessie]