Structural Pest Control Applicator Practice Exam

Which federal agency determines what species are endangered?

1. The U.S. Department of Agriculture

2. Office of Pesticide Programs (OPP) of the EPA

3. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) of the Department of the Interior

4. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

The correct answer is: Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) of the Department of the Interior

The Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) of the Department of the Interior is responsible for determining what species are endangered. This agency focuses on the conservation, protection, and enhancement of fish, wildlife, and their habitats. The Endangered Species Act, enacted in 1973, empowers the FWS to assess the status of various species and designate those that are endangered. This process involves scientific evaluation and consideration of factors such as habitat loss, overuse, disease, and other threats that contribute to a species' decline. Once a species is designated as endangered, it receives federal protection and various conservation measures may be implemented to aid in its recovery. Other options mentioned do not have the authority or primary mission to designate endangered species. The U.S. Department of Agriculture, for example, focuses more on agricultural interests, while the Office of Pesticide Programs (OPP) of the EPA deals primarily with the regulation of pesticides and their effects on human health and the environment. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, although involved in marine species conservation, does not serve as the primary federal body for terrestrial endangered species listings. Therefore, the Fish and Wildlife Service is the agency specifically tasked with this crucial function.