Question

What causes extinctions?

• A. Habitat loss and fragmentation
• B. Over-exploitation
• C. Natural disasters
• D. Background extinctions

Answer 1

Answer: (A), (B), (C), (D)

The correct options are
A Habitat loss and fragmentation
B Over-exploitation
C Natural disasters
D Background extinctions

There are many reasons why species go extinct. Natural disasters can cause mass extinctions. Apart from this, species go extinct at a natural rate; this is called background extinction, wherein species are subjected to natural selection and evolution, causing some species to go extinct, resulting in the survival of the fittest. These are natural reasons for the loss of biodiversity. Apart from these, the major reasons for extinction today are man-made; these include habitat loss and fragmentation, over-exploitation, invasion of alien species and co-extinctions.