The flightless dodo bird lived on the island of Mauritius in the Indian Ocean.It was the largest animal on the island and had no predators.When Portuguese ships landed in 1505, the dodo was easy prey for sailors wanting a new food source.It was trapped on the island and unable to fly, so it could not get away.Sailors also introduced rats, pigs, and monkeys, which ate the dodos' eggs.The dodo was extinct by 1681.Which factors were important in its extinction?
A) Habitat loss and species invasions
B) Habitat loss and emerging diseases
C) Overharvesting and habitat loss
D) Overharvesting and species invasions
E) Overharvesting and emerging diseases

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The dodo's extinction was primarily caused by overharvesting and the introduction of non-native species, such as rats, pigs, and monkeys, which ate the dodo's eggs. While habitat loss was likely a contributing factor, it was not the primary cause of the extinction. Similarly, emerging diseases were not a key factor in the dodo's extinction.

The Flightless Dodo Bird Lived on the Island of Mauritius