Question

Which of the following best describes an endangered species? a. a species that is likely to become extinct in a portion of its range b. a species that has disappeared in a particular community but is present in other natural environments c. a species that is extinct d. a species that is in danger of becoming extinct throughout all or a significant portion of its range e. Both b and d are true of endangered species.

Short answer

The answer is d. The best description of an endangered species is a species that is in danger of becoming extinct throughout all or a significant portion of its range.

Step-by-step solution

Understand the concept of an endangered species

An endangered species is a type of organism that is in danger of becoming extinct. This could be due to changes in its environment, or because of predation or disease.

Compare definitions with the provided options

We compare the concept of an endangered species understood in Step 1 with each option individually, to determine which one(s) define an endangered species correctly.

Eliminate incorrect options

Option a: Although endangered species could become extinct in a portion of its range, this definition is incomplete as it doesn't cover the possibility of the entire range being at risk, hence it's incorrect. Option b: This sounds more like the definition of a species that is locally extinct, not necessarily endangered. Option c: An extinct species is one that no longer exists, so it cannot be endangered. Option d: This corresponds to the concept of an endangered species where the species is in danger of becoming extinct throughout all or a significant portion of its range. Option e: As we've established, option b is incorrect, hence option e is incorrect as well.

Confirm the correct answer

Based on the evaluations in Step 3, option d is the one that aligns best to the definition of an endangered species. Thus, the correct answer is d, a species that is in danger of becoming extinct throughout all or a significant portion of its range.

Key concepts

Extinction

Extinction is a natural phenomenon, but the rate at which it's happening today is exceptionally high.

An extinction occurs when a species completely dies out, leaving no living individuals behind. While extinctions have occurred throughout Earth's history, human activities such as habitat destruction, pollution, and overhunting have accelerated the pace. This rapid loss affects not only the species in question but the entire ecosystem and can lead to a reduction in biodiversity. Biodiversity, which refers to the variety of living organisms on Earth, including the different species of plants, animals, bacteria, and fungi, is crucial for a healthy and functioning environment.

Understanding and preventing extinctions is crucial. Efforts such as creating protected areas, regulating hunting, and restricting harmful pollutants can be effective ways to prevent the complete loss of species. In the exercise, recognizing that an endangered species is at risk of extinction is an important first step in biodiversity conservation.

Biodiversity Conservation

Biodiversity conservation involves protecting and managing the variety of life on Earth to ensure that natural habitats and the resident species not only survive but also thrive.

High biodiversity contributes to ecosystem resilience, allowing them to recover from disruptions such as natural disasters and environmental changes. Without biodiversity conservation, ecosystems can become imbalanced, potentially leading to more plant and animal extinctions.

Measures like breeding programs, legal protection for endangered species, and habitat restoration are vital parts of conservation efforts. Education about the importance of biodiversity can also encourage sustainable practices among individuals and industries. In relation to the exercise, identifying 'endangered species' is a critical part of these efforts, as it raises awareness about species that urgently need protection.

Environmental Change

Environmental change encompasses both natural and human-induced alterations to the Earth's ecosystems, such as climate change, habitat fragmentation, pollution, and introduction of invasive species.

These changes can have significant impacts on species, sometimes causing them to become endangered or extinct. Adaptation to new conditions is often not possible for many species, leading to a decrease in biodiversity.

Understanding the links between environmental change and species survival is essential. Awareness and action are keys to mitigating negative impacts. In our textbook exercise, considering environmental change is invaluable in comprehending why species become endangered and what can be done to help them adapt or survive these changes.