The extinction of Passenger Pigeon is mainly attributed to

Options

A. Habital loss
B. Co-extinction
C. Over-exploitation
D. Alien-species invasion

Answer

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding the Question**: The question asks about the primary reason for the extinction of the Passenger Pigeon. We need to analyze the options provided: habitat loss, co-extinction, over-exploitation, and alien species invasion.

2. **Background Information**: The Passenger Pigeon was a species native to North America and was once abundant, with populations in the millions. The last known Passenger Pigeon died in 1914.

3. **Defining Extinction**: Extinction refers to the complete loss of a species from the planet. Various factors can contribute to extinction, including habitat loss, over-exploitation, and competition from alien species.

4. **Analyzing the Options**:
- **Habitat Loss**: This refers to the destruction or alteration of the natural environment where a species lives. While it can lead to extinction, it was not the primary cause for the Passenger Pigeon.
- **Co-extinction**: This occurs when the extinction of one species leads to the extinction of another. This is not applicable in the case of the Passenger Pigeon.
- **Over-exploitation**: This refers to the excessive hunting or harvesting of a species. The Passenger Pigeon was heavily hunted for food, leading to its dramatic population decline.
- **Alien Species Invasion**: This involves the introduction of non-native species that compete with native species. This was not a significant factor in the extinction of the Passenger Pigeon.

5. **Conclusion**: After analyzing the reasons, it is clear that the primary cause of the extinction of the Passenger Pigeon was **over-exploitation**. This species was hunted extensively due to its abundance, and people did not anticipate its decline.

6. **Final Answer**: The extinction of the Passenger Pigeon is mainly attributed to **over-exploitation** (Option C).