Topics with sample answers

97 | 
P a g e
 
 
History cites many examples of extinct species. According to a survey, 3 to 5 billion 
passenger pigeons or wild pigeons were in the US before European settlement. But just after 
this, due to habitat loss and demand for pigeon meat, these birds became extinct in the early 
20th century.  
Acalypha dikuluwensis, a plant species native to Congo, became extinct due to copper 
extraction activities in the area. The freshwater crayfish, which lost its habitat due to water 
being drained by local farmers, became extinct. The Bermuda hawk became extinct due to 
hunting. 
Some people think that we have lost these exotic species and will never see them again. 
 
On the other hand, it is true that we can still work towards preserving the environment. 
Firstly, governments should impose strict rules against deforestation, illegal felling of trees, 
and ban hunting. Proper water governance must be in place to preserve the freshwaters and 
marine ecosystems. Eco-friendly agricultural practices must be followed, which lay emphasis 
on the conservation of the variety of species. There have been successful examples of 
preserving animals that were on the verge of extinction. The ‘Bengal Tiger’ is a classic 
example. 
 
To summarise, human activities have indeed damaged the animal and plant species. But we 
can still work towards preserving the rest of the species.