NEETBotanyBiodiversity and its Conservation
Which of the following is NOT an example of the threat to biodiversity posed by alien species invasions?
Options
- AIntroduction of Nile perch into Lake Victoria
- BSpread of the invasive weed Eichhornia
- CIllegal introduction of the African catfish Clarias gariepinus
- DExtinction of Steller's sea cow
Correct answer
D. Extinction of Steller's sea cow
Step-by-step solution
The 'Evil Quartet' describes four major causes of biodiversity loss. The introduction of Nile perch, the spread of invasive weeds like Eichhornia (water hyacinth), and the illegal introduction of the African catfish Clarias gariepinus are all classic examples of alien species invasions causing harm to native ecosystems. In contrast, the extinction of Steller's sea cow (along with the passenger pigeon) was caused by overexploitation by humans, not by an alien species invasion. Answer: Extinction of Steller's sea cow