Biology Chapter 6: Endangered Species

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary cause of higher extinction rates?

Pollution

Habitat loss (correct)

Habitat changes

Over-exploitation of wildlife

What is the main cause of endangered species?

Overhunting

Habitat degradation

Habitat loss (correct)

Introduction of nonnative species

What is an example of an endangered species?

Javan Rhinos (correct)

Amur Leopard

Bengal Tiger

Sumatran Rhino

What is the most critically endangered species?

Amur Leopard Signup and view all the answers

How many species are endangered?

Over 157,100 species Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of amphibians are threatened with extinction?

41% Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between critically endangered and endangered species?

Critically endangered species are at a higher risk of extinction Signup and view all the answers

What is the main cause of species extinction in prehistoric times?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary definition of an endangered species?

A species that is considered to be at risk of extinction Signup and view all the answers

Why do animals usually become endangered?

Due to over hunting or destruction of their habitat Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of evaluating endangered species?

To synthesize and analyze scientific information on a species' or stock's population structure Signup and view all the answers

What does 'threatened' mean in the context of the Endangered Species Act?

A species that is likely to become endangered within the foreseeable future Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the five criteria to access the extinction risk of various species?

The rate of population decline Signup and view all the answers

What is the main cause of endangered species according to the text?

Human activities Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of identifying endangered species?

To evaluate the threats caused by human activities Signup and view all the answers

What does 'endangered' mean in the context of the Endangered Species Act?

A species that is in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant portion of its range Signup and view all the answers

What is the criteria for a species to be classified as endangered?

A population decline of at least 20 percent within five years or two generations Signup and view all the answers

What is the main cause of species endangerment?

Habitat loss Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of CITES?

To regulate or ban international trade in endangered species Signup and view all the answers

What is the definition of 'wildlife' according to CITES?

All fauna and flora Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between vulnerable and endangered species?

Vulnerable species are at high risk of extinction, while endangered species are at very high risk Signup and view all the answers

What is one way to save endangered animals?

Making cities more wildlife friendly Signup and view all the answers

What is the criteria for a species to be classified as least concern?

A population that does not qualify for a higher risk category Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of conserving endangered species?

To preserve biodiversity and ecosystems Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

What is an Endangered Species?

An endangered species is an animal or plant that is at risk of extinction, with only a few individuals left on Earth.
Endangered species are those that are not doing well, often due to overhunting or habitat destruction.

Evaluating Endangered Species

Endangered species assessments consider a species' population structure, life history characteristics, abundance, and threats caused by human activities.

Identification of Endangered Species

Under the Endangered Species Act (ESA), species can be listed as endangered or threatened.
Endangered means a species is in danger of extinction throughout its range, while threatened means it is likely to become endangered in the near future.

Criteria to Access Extinction Risk

The five criteria to assess extinction risk include:
- Rate of population decline
- Geographic range
- Small population size
- Restricted area or small range
- High probability of extinction in the wild

Main Cause of Endangered Species

Habitat loss is the primary cause of higher extinction rates.
Other causes include habitat changes, over-exploitation, introduction of non-native species, pollution, and disease spread.

Examples of Endangered Species

Javan Rhinoceros: only around 75 individuals remaining on the island of Java, Indonesia.
Amur Leopard: fewer than 92 individuals remaining in their natural range.

Listing Endangered Species

Over 157,100 species are listed on the IUCN Red List, with over 44,000 species threatened with extinction.

Critically Endangered and Endangered Species

Critically Endangered (CR): extremely high risk of extinction in the wild.
Endangered (EN): high risk of extinction in the wild.
Vulnerable (VU): high risk of endangerment in the wild.

Saving Endangered Animals

Measures to save endangered animals include:
- Reducing food waste and consumption
- Making cities more wildlife-friendly
- Controlling cat populations
- Protecting forests and habitats
- Conserving endangered species

CITES

CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) regulates or bans international trade in endangered species.
"Wildlife" includes all fauna and flora, and CITES addresses both legal and illegal trade.

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Learn about the definition and meaning of endangered species, why animals become endangered, and more in this quiz based on Chapter 6 of your biology textbook.