General Science question from Sub Inspector exam, 2022 by JKSSB
Which of the following is NOT a cause for the loss of biodiversity in general?
Last updated May 13, 2026
Correct Answer:
Option D —
Reforestation
The correct answer is D) Reforestation.
While the other options are primary drivers of species loss, reforestation (the process of planting trees in an area where there was once a forest) is generally a conservation measure aimed at restoring ecosystems, not destroying them.
The "Evil Quartet" of Biodiversity Loss
In ecology, the four major causes of biodiversity loss are often referred to as the "Evil Quartet." Here is how your options fit into that framework:
Alien Species Invasions (Option B): When non-native species are introduced to a new habitat, they often lack natural predators. They can outcompete, prey upon, or bring diseases to native species, leading to extinction.
Over-exploitation (Option C): This occurs when humans harvest natural resources (like fish, trees, or wild animals) faster than they can regenerate.
Co-extinction (Option A): When a species goes extinct, the specific plants or animals that depend on it (like a specialized pollinator or a parasite) also go extinct.
Habitat Loss and Fragmentation: (Not listed in your options, but the most significant cause). This is the thinning, fragmenting, or outright destruction of natural ecosystems.
Answer verified by Quintessence Classes faculty — Karan Nagar, Srinagar.
