Question

Co-extinction is one of the causes of biodiversity loss. In which of the given interaction coextinction can cause loss of biodiversity?

• A. Mutualism
• B. Commensalism
• C. Predation
• D. Obligate parasitism
• E. Competition
• F. A and C
• G. A and D
• H. A, C and E
• I. D and E

Answer 1

Answer: (G)

A and D

Answer 2

Co-extinction occurs when the extinction of one species leads to the extinction of another that is strongly dependent on it. This typically occurs in:

• Mutualism: where two species rely on one another.
  Extinction of one species can cause extinction of its partner.

• Obligate parasitism: where the parasite is completely dependent on its host.
  The parasite is entirely dependent on its host; hence if the host goes extinct, so does the parasite.