MCQs: Causes of Biodiversity Loss

Read the passage carefully and answer the following questions.

The accelerated rate of species extinction is mainly due to human activities. Identify the four major causes known as “The Evil Quartet”.

Question 1: Which is the MOST significant cause of animal and plant extinction?

• Forest fires
• Climate change
• **Habitat loss and fragmentation**
• Volcanic eruptions

Question 2: What is an example of “over-exploitation” leading to extinction?

• Dodo
• Woolly mammoth
• **Passenger pigeon**
• Tasmanian tiger

Question 3: How do introduced species threaten biodiversity?

• They directly compete for resources.
• They introduce new diseases.
• They can prey on native species.
• **All of the above**

Question 4: What happens when a host species becomes extinct in co-extinction?

• The ecosystem remains unaffected.
• Its predators become extinct.
• **Its dependent species also become extinct.**
• The food chain collapses.