Question

21 multiple choice 2 points the extinction of the golden frog primarily illustrates which ecological principle? environmental sensitivity of specialist species competition exclusion among generalists genetic drift in large populations natural selection

Explanation:

• Specialist species have narrow ecological niches. The Golden Frog's extinction likely occurred due to its specific environmental requirements (e.g., habitat, climate). If these specific environmental conditions change (e.g., due to pollution, deforestation, climate change), specialist species like the Golden Frog are more vulnerable to extinction compared to generalist species (which have broader niches).
• Competition exclusion (Gause's principle) is about two species competing for the same limited resource, with one out - competing the other. There is no indication in the question that competition exclusion among generalists led to the Golden Frog's extinction.
• Genetic drift has a more significant impact on small populations. Also, the question is about ecological principles related to extinction, not genetic processes in large populations.
• Natural selection is a broader process of species adaptation and survival of the fittest over time. The extinction of the Golden Frog is more specifically related to its inability to tolerate environmental changes (a characteristic of specialist species) rather than the general process of natural selection (which could also lead to adaptation in some cases).

Answer:

Environmental sensitivity of specialist species