Susceptibility to extinction is due to

Options

A. Large body size
B. Small population
C. High trophic level
D. All of these

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding Susceptibility to Extinction:**
- Susceptibility to extinction refers to the likelihood that a species will become extinct due to various factors affecting its survival.

2. **Identifying Factors Leading to Extinction:**
- The question presents several factors: large body size, small population, high trophic level, and asks which of these contributes to susceptibility to extinction.

3. **Analyzing Large Body Size:**
- Larger animals generally require more resources (food, habitat, etc.) to survive. If resources become scarce, these species may struggle to find enough sustenance, leading to a higher risk of extinction.

4. **Considering Small Population Size:**
- Species with small populations are more vulnerable to extinction because any significant disturbance (natural disasters, disease, etc.) can wipe out a large portion of the population, making recovery difficult.

5. **Evaluating High Trophic Level:**
- Species at higher trophic levels (predators) tend to have fewer individuals compared to those at lower levels (herbivores). This lower population density makes them more susceptible to extinction, as they have fewer individuals to sustain the population.

6. **Conclusion:**
- All the factors mentioned (large body size, small population, high trophic level) contribute to susceptibility to extinction. Therefore, the correct answer is that all of these factors are correct.

7. **Final Answer:**
- The susceptibility to extinction is due to large body size, small population, high trophic level, and all of these factors combined.

---