Texas Pesticide Applicator Practice Exam

Which federal agency determines which species are endangered?

1. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

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

3. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)

4. Department of Agriculture (USDA)

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 the federal agency responsible for determining which species are endangered. This agency administers the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and is tasked with protecting and recovering imperiled species and their ecosystems. The FWS evaluates the status of species based on the best scientific and commercial data available, and it has the authority to designate species as endangered or threatened, which involves a comprehensive assessment of their population status, habitat, and threats they may face. In contrast, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) primarily focuses on protecting human health and the environment through regulations on pollutants and chemical substances, while the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is involved in oceanic and atmospheric research and the management of marine resources, particularly for species that inhabit ocean environments. The Department of Agriculture (USDA) mainly oversees agricultural practices and policies, which can touch on wildlife management but is not directly involved in the endangerment status of species.