Question

"The Evil Quartet" of biodiversity loss includes which of the following ?

• A. Habitat loss and fragmentation; over-exploitation; Alien species invasions; Co-extinctions
• B. Over-exploitation; Alien species invasions; Air pollution; Co-extinctions
• C. Habitat loss and fragmentation; Air pollution; Water pollution; Co-extinctions
• D. Over-exploitation; Alien species invasions; Water pollution; Co-extinctions

Hint:

The Evil Quartet: Habitat, Over-use, Aliens, Co-extinction. (Mnemonic: HOAC).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1 : Understanding the Question
This question identifies the four major causes of modern species extinctions, collectively referred to by ecologists as "The Evil Quartet."
Step 2 : Key Formulas and approach
The approach is to recall the specific four factors listed in conservation textbooks. We must look for the combination that includes habitat damage and interaction-based loss.
Step 3 : Detailed Explanation

Habitat Loss (1): The primary driver of extinction. This involves (A) destroying or breaking habitats into fragments.

Over-exploitation (2): Humans harvesting species (B) faster than they can regenerate.

Alien Species (3): Introducing non-native species that (C) outcompete or prey on native ones.

Co-extinctions (4): When a species dies, any (D) obligate associate (like a parasite) also dies.

Analysis: Pollution, while harmful, is not one of the four components of the "Evil Quartet" defined in the standard curriculum.

Step 4 : Final Answer
The correct set is option (C).