Among ‘The Evil Quartet’, which one is considered the most important cause driving extinction of species?
- Over exploitation for economic gain
- Alien species invasions
- Co-extinctions
- Habitat loss and fragmentation
Answer
(4) Habitat loss and fragmentation
Solution
‘The Evil Quartet’ = habitat loss and fragmentation, over-exploitation, alien species invasions and co-extinctions.
Of these, habitat loss and fragmentation is the most important cause driving animals and plants to extinction (e.g. clearing of tropical rain forests).
Answer: (4)