Which of the following species extinct in the last 500 years due to over-exploitation?
a) Quagga b) Steller's sea cow
c) Passenger's pigeon d) Thylacine

Options

A. a and b
B. b and c
C. a, b and c
D. a, b, c and d

Answer

To determine which species went extinct in the last 500 years due to over-exploitation, we will analyze each option provided:

### Step 1: Analyze the first option - Quagga
- The Quagga was a subspecies of the zebra that became extinct in the late 19th century due to over-hunting by European settlers in South Africa. This fits the criteria of extinction due to over-exploitation.

### Step 2: Analyze the second option - Steller's sea cow
- Steller's sea cow lived in the Commander Islands and was hunted to extinction in the second half of the 18th century. This species was heavily exploited for its meat and fat by sailors. Although it went extinct due to over-exploitation, it occurred slightly over 500 years ago.

### Step 3: Analyze the third option - Passenger pigeon
- The Passenger pigeon was hunted extensively due to its perceived threat to agriculture. The last known individual died in 1914, making this species extinct in the last 500 years due to over-exploitation.

### Step 4: Analyze the fourth option - Thylacine
- The Thylacine, also known as the Tasmanian tiger, was a carnivorous marsupial that became extinct in the 20th century, with the last known individual captured in the 1930s. It was driven to extinction mainly due to hunting and habitat destruction, fitting the criteria of extinction due to over-exploitation.

### Conclusion:
Based on the analysis:
- **Quagga**: Extinct due to over-exploitation in the late 19th century.
- **Steller's sea cow**: Extinct due to over-exploitation in the 18th century (not within the last 500 years).
- **Passenger pigeon**: Extinct due to over-exploitation in 1914 (within the last 500 years).
- **Thylacine**: Extinct due to over-exploitation in the 20th century (within the last 500 years).

The species that went extinct in the last 500 years due to over-exploitation are:
- **Quagga**
- **Passenger pigeon**
- **Thylacine**

### Final Answer:
The correct options are **a) Quagga, c) Passenger pigeon, and d) Thylacine**.

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