In Mauritius, a particular tree species failed to reproduce naturally after the extinction of a fruit eating bird that dispersed and helped germinate its seeds. Which one of the following birds was that famous extinct species?

Introduction / Context:
The relationship between plants and animals in an ecosystem can be very close. Some plants depend on specific animals for seed dispersal or for breaking seed dormancy so that new plants can grow. Mauritius provides a classic example that is often cited in ecology textbooks. A native tree on the island struggled to reproduce after a particular fruit eating bird went extinct. Understanding this example helps illustrate concepts like mutualism, seed dispersal, and the consequences of species extinction.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The setting is the island of Mauritius.
• A tree species failed to reproduce naturally after a fruit eating bird became extinct.
• The options include dove, dodo, condor, and skua.
• We assume standard textbook stories about mutual dependence between the dodo and certain trees, such as the tambalacoque or dodo tree.

Concept / Approach:
The dodo was a large, flightless bird native to Mauritius that became extinct in the seventeenth century due to hunting and introduction of invasive species. A well known ecological story suggests that a tree called the tambalacoque, sometimes nicknamed the dodo tree, relied on dodos to eat its fruits and abrade the tough seed coat in their gizzards. After the dodo vanished, natural regeneration of these trees reportedly declined sharply. Although later studies have debated the exact strength of this dependency, the standard general knowledge answer remains that the dodo was the bird linked to this reproductive failure.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Identify which of the birds listed are native or historically associated with Mauritius. The dodo is strongly linked to Mauritius, while condors and skuas are found in very different regions. Step 2: Recall that the dodo is famous for being a large, flightless bird that became extinct after human arrival on Mauritius. Step 3: Remember the ecological story of the tambalacoque tree, whose seeds were thought to require passage through the dodo digestive system to germinate efficiently. Step 4: This story is frequently told in ecology to highlight how extinction of one species can disrupt reproduction of another. Step 5: From the options, dodo is the only bird that fits this description and geographical context, so it is the correct answer.

Verification / Alternative check:
General knowledge books and popular science articles often mention the dodo in connection with seed dispersal of the tambalacoque tree. While modern ecologists debate whether the dependence was absolute or partial, exams at school and entry level still use this as a classic example of coevolution and ecological interdependence. Condors are large scavenger birds of the Americas, skuas are seabirds of polar and temperate regions, and doves are widespread but not uniquely tied to this Mauritius story. This makes the dodo the only plausible choice.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Dove is wrong because although doves are fruit eating in many habitats, there is no famous ecological story linking them specifically to tree reproduction failure in Mauritius. Condor is incorrect because condors live in the Americas and are not associated with Mauritius or this seed dispersal example. Skua is also wrong; skuas are seabirds known for aggressive behaviour near coasts, not for fruit eating on tropical islands.

Common Pitfalls:
A common pitfall is to pick dove simply because it is also a fruit eating bird and the name sounds familiar. Another mistake is not remembering where each bird lives and ignoring geographic clues. To avoid such errors, associate Mauritius and extinction with the dodo, and remember the widely taught story of the dodo tree. This mental link between the island, the bird, and the tree helps you quickly recognise dodo as the correct answer.

Final Answer:
The correct choice is Dodo, the famous extinct fruit eating bird of Mauritius that was traditionally believed to play a key role in the reproduction of certain native trees.