Question: 105 Among ‘The Evil Quartet’, which one is considered the most important cause driving extinction of species?
(1) Alien species invasions
(2) Co-extinctions
(3) Habitat loss and fragmentation
(4) Over exploitation for economic gain
Answer: Option (3)
Explanation:
The term ‘Evil Quartet’ refers to the four major causes of biodiversity loss.
These include habitat loss and fragmentation, over exploitation, alien species invasions, and co-extinctions.
Among these, habitat loss and fragmentation is considered the most important cause of species extinction.
Destruction of natural habitats due to human activities like deforestation, urbanization, and agriculture reduces living space and resources for organisms.
Fragmentation further isolates populations, making survival and reproduction difficult.
Hence, habitat loss and fragmentation is the primary driver of extinction of species.