Question

Read the following given examples.
(i) Plant-pollinator mutualism
(ii) African catfish in our rivers for aquaculture.
(iii) Fish species with its parasites
(iv) Nile perch and cichlid fish
Which out of these options correctly gives the examples of "Co-extinctions" as a cause of biodiversity loss?

• A. (i), (ii)
• B. (ii), (iii)
• C. (ii), (iv)
• D. (i), (iii)

Answer 1

Answer: (D)

(i), (iii)

Coextinction is the phenomenon in which there is loss of a host species which results in the loss of other species that depends on it. This leads to cascading effects across trophic levels. It it observed during mutualism. Loss of pollinator results in the highest number of plant coextinctions as this affects the reproduction in plants. This phenomenon is also observed parasitism. Extinction of a host, fish species results in the extinction of its parasites.

Thus, the correct answer is '(i), (iii).'