Question

Which among the following is more vulnerable to extinction?

• A. Insects
• B. Amphibians
• C. Mammals
• D. Reptiles

Answer 1

The correct option is B Amphibians

The rich biodiversity of earth is declining rapidly due to human activities. Many species have become endangered and extinct. The past twenty years have witnessed the extinction of nearly 27 species.

An international organisation called International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) prepared a list of such species in the Red Data Book.

According to the IUCN, 12% of all bird species, 23% of all mammal species, 31% of gymnosperm species and 32% of all amphibian species in the world face the threat of extinction and have the highest percentage of endangered species.

Amphibians are more vulnerable to extinction out of all the species as they require both terrestrial and aquatic habitat. Habitat destruction due to human activities has become a threat to amphibians. Amphibian skin is more permeable to toxins such as insecticides, pesticides, etc (used by humans for agriculture) making them more susceptible to extinction compared to other species.