Matching Recent Extinctions with Their Locations

This question asks us to match several examples of recent animal extinctions with the geographical locations where they occurred. Understanding where these species lived helps us learn about biodiversity loss in specific regions.

Let's analyze each extinction event and its corresponding place:

• (A) Dodo: The Dodo was a flightless bird endemic to the island of Mauritius. Its extinction around the late 17th century is a classic example of human-caused extinction, primarily due to hunting and the introduction of invasive species. Therefore, Dodo is matched with Mauritius.
• (B) Quagga: The Quagga was a subspecies of the plains zebra that was found in South Africa. It was hunted to extinction in the wild by 1878, with the last captive individual dying in 1883. South Africa is part of the African continent. Therefore, Quagga is matched with Africa.
• (C) Thylacine: The Thylacine, also known as the Tasmanian Tiger, was a carnivorous marsupial native to mainland Australia, Tasmania, and New Guinea. It is considered extinct since the last known individual died in captivity in 1936 in Hobart, Tasmania. Therefore, Thylacine is matched with Australia.
• (D) Stellar’s Sea Cow: Stellar's Sea Cow was a large marine mammal that inhabited the Near Islands, a group of islands in the Commander Islands chain in the Bering Sea, located off the coast of Kamchatka, Russia. It was discovered in 1741 and hunted to extinction within 27 years. Therefore, Stellar’s Sea Cow is matched with Russia.

Based on this analysis, the correct matches are:

• (A) Dodo - (III) Mauritius
• (B) Quagga - (I) Africa
• (C) Thylacine - (IV) Australia
• (D) Stellar’s Sea Cow - (II) Russia

We can represent these matches in a table:

Combining the matches, we get the sequence (A) - (III), (B) - (I), (C) - (IV), (D) - (II).

Revision Table: Recent Extinctions and Locations

Additional Information: Understanding Extinctions

Extinction is the termination of a species or a group of species, usually a result of environmental changes or biological factors such as habitat fragmentation, climate change, overexploitation, or competition from invasive species. Recent extinctions, particularly those occurring in the last few centuries, are often linked directly or indirectly to human activities.

• Endemic Species: Species like the Dodo (Mauritius) and Thylacine (Australia/Tasmania) were endemic, meaning they were unique to a specific geographic location. Endemic species are often more vulnerable to extinction because their entire population exists in one area and can be wiped out by localized threats.
• Causes of Recent Extinctions: Key drivers include habitat loss and degradation, overhunting or overfishing, introduction of invasive species, pollution, and climate change.
• Conservation Efforts: Understanding the causes and locations of past extinctions helps inform current conservation strategies aimed at preventing future biodiversity loss. This includes protecting habitats, controlling invasive species, regulating hunting, and addressing climate change.