Texas Pesticide 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. Extirpated species

The correct answer is: Endangered species

An organism that is near extinction throughout all or most of its range is identified as an endangered species. This classification is crucial in conservation biology, as it indicates that the species faces a very high risk of extinction in the wild. The designation as endangered often leads to specific protections under laws and regulations to help recover the population and protect its habitat. In contrast, a threatened species is one that may become endangered in the near future, while a vulnerable species is at risk but not as critically as an endangered species. An extirpated species refers to a species that is locally extinct in a particular area but may exist in other regions. Thus, the term "endangered" specifically highlights those organisms that are currently at the greatest risk of disappearing entirely from the planet, making it the correct choice in this context.