Biodiversity and Conservation

Which group of vertebrates comprises the highest number of endangered species ?

1. Fishes
2. Mammals
3. Birds
4. Reptiles

Answer

(2) Mammals

Solution

As per NCERT (IUCN Red List), 12 per cent of all bird species, 23 per cent of all mammal species, 32 per cent of all amphibian species and 31 per cent of all gymnosperm species in the world face the threat of extinction.

⇒ Among the groups given, mammals have the highest proportion of endangered species (23 per cent, against 12 per cent for birds).

Answer: (2)