Question

Which of the following practices is an example of over-exploitation?

• A. Fishing
• B. Whaling
• C. Using livestock for meat production
• D. All of the above

Answer 1

The correct option is B

Whaling

Whales are large mammals and they do not reproduce frequently enough to be present in millions. Their gestation period and growth rate are relatively slow. Yet, thousands of these animals are slaughtered every year for whale meat, blubber and oil. Today, more whales are killed as compared to those that get added to the population, which has led to a steep decline in their population. Whaling is thus, a classic example of over-exploitation by humans.