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Question
Answer the following question:
Substantiate with the help of one example that in an ecosystem mutualists
(i) tend to co-evolve and
(ii) are also one of the major causes of biodiversity loss.
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Solution
Mutualists are pairs of the organism that benefit from the interactions between them.
(i) Mutualism between a flower and its pollinator follows co-evolution as the interaction should be safe from "cheating".
A Fig species is pollinated by a particular species of wasp. While the wasp uses the fruit for oviposition and source of nourishment for its larvae, the fig is pollinated by the wasp.
(ii) Since both the participants in the mutualism are linked, a change, anthropogenic or otherwise, affecting one species will consequently also reduce the population of the other species.
Plant-Pollinator interaction is an example of the same. Extinction of the pollinator will reduce the diversity of plant species which is dependent on it. Reduction in the bees population is posing a threat to the diversity of crops.
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Acronym for IUCN is ____________.
______ refers to the conservation of endangered species outside their natural habitats.
What are the major factors that are responsible for the loss of biodiversity? What steps are needed to prevent them?
Match the following columns.
| Column - I | Column - II |
| (i) Dodo | (a) Africa |
| (ii) Ouagga | (b) Russia |
| (iii) Thylacine | (c) Mauritius |
| (iv) Stellar's sea cow | (d) Australia |
Choose the correct match from the following
Which of the following is/are endangered plant species?
What could have triggered mass extinctions of species in the past?
List any two major causes other than anthropogenic causes of the loss of biodiversity.
Decline in the population of Indian native fishes due to introduction of Clarias gariepinus in river Yamuna can be catogoriesd as ______.
Match the species in Column I with its category in Column II.
| Column I | Column II |
| A. Rare species | I. No species |
| B. Vulnerable species | II. Facing a high risk of extinction |
| C. Endangered species | III. Localised species |
| D. Extinct species | IV. Species under threat |
Choose the correct answer from the options given below.
Give definitions of Invasive species.
