Question

From the animal groups given below, which one has the highest percentage of endangered species?
(a) Insects
(b)Mammals
(c) Amphibians
(d) Reptiles

Answer 1

Hint: A characteristic feature of the group which has the highest percentage of endangered species is the indirect development and the absence of chitinous exoskeleton.

Complete answer:
An endangered species is the one considered to be facing a very high risk of extinction in the near future. Amphibians have the highest rate of endangerment. According to the latest data published by IUCN, 41% of all amphibian species are threatened on the verge of extinction followed by reptiles, mammals and insects.

Additional Information: IUCN publishes a Red List which is a catalogue of taxa facing a risk of extinction. It provides the identification and documentation of endangered species. It also suggests conservation techniques to preserve biodiversity in a particular area. The Red List has been in use for almost 30 years followed by countries worldwide to preserve their flora and fauna.
Amphibians are present on every continent except Antarctica. Their decline has been linked to the following reasons :
Habitat destruction: It is the primary reason and includes disturbance of their natural habitats such as ponds, forests, wetlands and grasslands.
Climate change: As amphibians are greatly sensitive to minute changes in the environment, climate change and increase in temperature have disturbed their breeding cycle and immune systems.
Chytrid fungus: The disease is caused by the fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis and is an alarming cause for their extinction. The disease is spreading fast and is touted as the single greatest disease for the loss of biodiversity in recent history.
So, the correct answer is 'Amphibians'.

Note: IUCN is the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources. The main aim of IUCN is to promote and support the conservation of biodiversity. It publishes the Red List which includes the following categories- Extinct, Extinct in the wild, Critically endangered, Endangered and Vulnerable.