Question

Select the correct term for the following definitions (i, ii, iii, iv).
(i) The taxon is liable to become extinct if not allowed to realise its full biotic potential by providing protection from exotic species/human exploitation/ habitat deterioration/ depletion of food.
(ii) The taxon has been completely eliminated or died out from earth, e.g., Dodo.
(iii) The taxon is facing a high risk of extinction in the wild in the near future due to decrease in its habitat, excessive predation or poaching.
(iv) They are species with naturally small populations, either localised or thinly scattered, which are always at risk from pests/pathogens/predators/exotic species.

• A. (i) - Threatened; (ii) - Extinct; (iii) - Endangered; (iv) - Rare
• B. (i) - Endangered; (ii) - Extinct; (iii) - Threatened; (iv) - Rare
• C. (i) - Extinct; (ii) - Rare; (iii) - Threatened; (iv) - Endangered
• D. (i) - Threatened; (ii) - Extinct; (iii) - Rare; (iv) - Endangered

Answer 1

Answer: (A)

(i) - Threatened; (ii) - Extinct; (iii) - Endangered; (iv) - Rare

(i) A threatened species is a plant, animal, or other living organism that is becoming rare and that may become in danger of extinction if current trends continue. The international Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) divides threatened species into three categories: vulnerable species, endangered species and critically endangered species. The US National Wildlife federation on the other hand, distinguishes between threatened and endangered species.

(ii) Extinction of a particular animal or plant species occurs when there are no more individuals of that species alive anywhere in the world - the species has died out. This is a natural part of evolution. But sometimes extinctions happen at a much faster rate than usual.

(iii) An endangered species is a species which has been categorized as very likely to become extinct. Endangered (EN), as categorized by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List, is the second most severe conservation status for wild populations in the IUCN's schema after Critically Endangered (CR). Many nations have laws that protect conservation-reliant species: for example, forbidding hunting, restricting land development or creating preserves. Population numbers, trends and species' conservation status can be found at the lists of organisms by population.

(iv) A rare species is a group of organisms that are very uncommon, scarce, or infrequently encountered. This designation may be applied to either a plant or animal taxon, and is distinct from the term endangered or threatened. Designation of a rare species may be made by an official body, such as a national government, state, or province. The term more commonly appears without reference to specific criteria. The IUCN does not normally make such designations, but may use the term in scientific discussion. Rarity rests on a specific species being represented by a small number of organisms worldwide, usually fewer than 10,000. However, a species having a very narrow endemic range or fragmented habitat also influences the concept. Almost 75% of known species can be classified as "rare'.

So the correct option is '(i)- threatened, (ii)- extinct, (iii)- endangered, (iv)- rare'.