A tree species in Mauritius failed to reproduce because of the extinction of a fruit eating bird. Which one of the following was that bird?
A
Dove
B
Dodo
C
Condor
D
Skua
Correct Answer: Option B
Explanation
1. The question describes a scenario where a tree species in Mauritius failed to reproduce due to the extinction of a fruit eating bird that dispersed its seeds.
2. This is a classic example of co-extinction or ecological dependency.
3. The bird involved in this well-known case is the Dodo (Raphus cucullatus).
4. It is hypothesized that the seeds of certain Mauritian trees, like the Tambalacoque (Sideroxylon grandiflorum), needed to pass through the digestive tract of the Dodo to germinate. The extinction of the Dodo in the 17th century led to the decline of these tree species.
5. Therefore, the bird was the Dodo (B).