Question

A taxon which is facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild in immediate future is known as
A. Rare
B. Exotic
C. Vulnerable
D. Endangered
E. Critically endangered

Answer 1

Hint: Taxon is any rank or level of an organism. Taxa is actually a group of organisms.
So, a taxon that is facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild is very critical and may get extinct very soon. There are many species in the world that are at the extent of extinction.

Step by step answer:Taxons facing the high risk of extinction are very critical and facing problem for their survival in this world. They may get extinct in the coming future.
Option A: Rare: Rare species present on the earth are not endangered species instead of this they are less visible to us.
Option B: Exotic: Exotic species are also not endangered species but in the very far future we may need to preserve them but in present times we don’t need to preserve them.
Option C: Vulnerable: Vulnerable species are those species that just faced the risk but no risk of getting extinct.
Option D: Endangered: Endangered species are those species that are at the risk but they will not get extinct in the immediate future but later on they can.
Option E: Critically endangered: Critically endangered means the taxon is facing the very high risk of extinction in the wild and can become extinct at any moment in the immediate future. The number of critically endangered plants and animals in India is 44 and 18 respectively. e.g., Sus salvanius (Pigmy Hog), Berberis nilghiriensis.
So, the correct option is option E. critically endangered.

Note: The IUCN Red List provides the public with information regarding the conservation status of animal, fungi, and plant species. It divides various species into seven different categories of conservation that are based on habitat range, population size, habitat, threats, etc. Each category represents a different level of global extinction risk. Species that are considered to be critically endangered are placed within the "threatened" category.