Which of the following statements about the loss of biodiversity is i…

The correct answer is Option (3) → The dodo of Africa and the quagga of Mauritius are examples of recent extinctions.

The question asks for the wrong statement about loss of biodiversity. Options (1), (2) and (4) are lines of the book. In option (3), the homes of two extinct animals have been swapped: the dodo lived in Mauritius and the quagga in Africa.

Option (1) Habitat loss and fragmentation is the most important cause driving animals and plants to extinction. — A correct statement. Of the four major causes of biodiversity loss (the ‘Evil Quartet’), habitat loss and fragmentation is the most important.

Option (2) The thylacine of Australia and Steller’s Sea Cow of Russia are examples of recent extinctions. — A correct statement. The thylacine (Australia) and Steller’s Sea Cow (Russia) are among the book’s examples of recent extinctions.

Option (3) The dodo of Africa and the quagga of Mauritius are examples of recent extinctions. — The incorrect statement. The dodo and the quagga are recent extinctions, but the places are reversed. The dodo was a bird of Mauritius, and the quagga lived in Africa.

Option (4) Some groups, like amphibians, appear to be more vulnerable to extinction. — A correct statement. Extinctions are not random across groups; amphibians appear to be more vulnerable to extinction.

NCERT Extract:
Loss of Biodiversity – “… Some examples of recent extinctions include the dodo (Mauritius), quagga (Africa), thylacine (Australia), Steller’s Sea Cow (Russia) and three subspecies (Bali, Javan, Caspian) of tiger. The last twenty years alone have witnessed the disappearance of 27 species. Careful analysis of records shows that extinctions across taxa are not random; some groups like amphibians appear to be more vulnerable to extinction. … (i) Habitat loss and fragmentation: This is the most important cause driving animals and plants to extinction.”