Which is the paramagnetic species ?
The paramagnetic species among the given options is $ O_2 ^ - $. Paramagnetism arises due to the presence of unpaired electrons. $ O_2 ^ - $ has one unpaired electron in its molecular orbital structure, making it paramagnetic. In contrast, $ CN^- $, $ NO^+ $, and CO are diamagnetic as they do not have unpaired electrons.