These are regarded as major causes of biodiversity loss: A. Over exploitation B. Co-extinction C. Mutation D. Habitat loss and fragmentation E. Migration Choose the correct option: (NEET 2024)
Answer: (C) A, B and D only. Answer: (c) A, B and D only Solution: The major causes of biodiversity loss (the Evil Quartet) are habitat loss and fragmentation, over-exploitation, alien species invasions and co-extinctions.
- A.A, B, C and D only
- B.A, B and E only
- C.A, B and D only✓
- D.A, C and D only
Correct Answer
(C) A, B and D only
Solution & Explanation
Answer: (c) A, B and D only Solution: The major causes of biodiversity loss (the Evil Quartet) are habitat loss and fragmentation, over-exploitation, alien species invasions and co-extinctions. Of the listed items, A (Over exploitation), B (Co-extinction) and D (Habitat loss and fragmentation) are genuine causes, while C (Mutation) and E (Migration) are not, so only option (c) is correct. NCERT: NCERT Class XII Biology, Ch 13 Biodiversity and Conservation, p.223, lines 22-23: "Co-extinctions: When a species becomes extinct, the plant and animal species associated with it in an obligatory way also become extinct."