Question: 102: Habitat loss and fragmentation, over exploitation, alien species invasion and co-extinction are causes for:
(1) Biodiversity loss
(2) Natality
(3) Population explosion
(4) Competition
Answer: Option (1)
Explanation:
Biodiversity refers to the variety and variability of life forms present on Earth.
Habitat loss and fragmentation destroy or divide natural habitats,
leading to decline or extinction of species.
Over exploitation of natural resources results in depletion of populations beyond their capacity to recover.
Alien species invasion can outcompete native species,
disrupt ecosystems and cause extinction of indigenous organisms.
Co-extinction occurs when the extinction of one species leads to
the extinction of another species dependent on it.
All these factors directly contribute to the reduction in the number and variety of species.
Therefore, they are major causes of biodiversity loss.
Hence, option (1) is the correct answer.