Structural Pest Control Applicator Practice Exam

What is an organism that is near extinction throughout all or most of its range called?

1. Threatened species

2. Endangered species

3. Vulnerable species

4. Protected species

The correct answer is: Endangered species

An organism that is near extinction throughout all or most of its range is classified as an endangered species. This designation indicates that the species faces an imminent risk of extinction in the wild due to factors like habitat loss, environmental changes, or overexploitation. Endangered species protections often prompt conservation efforts aimed at stabilizing or increasing populations. In contrast, threatened species refer to those likely to become endangered in the foreseeable future, while vulnerable species indicate a level of risk but not as severe as endangered. Protected species are typically those that have specific legal protections due to their status but do not necessarily indicate their position on the extinction spectrum specifically. Thus, the term "endangered species" specifically captures the critical status of organisms that are on the brink of extinction, highlighting the urgency of conservation efforts directed towards them.