Endangered Species (College Board AP® Environmental Science): Exam Questions

Which of the following factors is the most significant contributor to species becoming endangered?

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Endangered species are organisms that are at risk of extinction due to factors such as habitat loss, poaching, climate change, and the illegal wildlife trade. Conservation efforts are aimed at protecting these species through a variety of strategies, such as habitat restoration, breeding programs, and strict anti-poaching laws. Some species are classified as Critically Endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List, meaning they face an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild.

For example, the Amur Leopard, a species native to the Russian Far East and parts of China, is critically endangered due to habitat loss and poaching. There are fewer than 100 individuals left in the wild. Conservation efforts are essential to stabilising the population. Another example is the Yangtze Giant Softshell Turtle, which has only three individuals remaining. This turtle faces threats from habitat destruction and pollution. Conservationists are working on breeding programs to increase its population and restore its habitat. The Sunda Pangolin is also critically endangered. It is hunted for its meat and scales, which are highly valued in some traditional medicines. The population of this species has decreased drastically, and it faces the risk of becoming extinct in the near future. Conservation measures are focusing on halting illegal trade and protecting its habitat. The Axolotl, a type of salamander found in the lakes near Mexico City, is critically endangered due to habitat destruction and pollution. Efforts are being made to restore the lakes and raise awareness about the importance of preserving this unique species.

Which of the following species is most at risk due to illegal wildlife trade?

Read the text below and answer the question:

Endangered species are organisms that are at risk of extinction due to factors such as habitat loss, poaching, climate change, and the illegal wildlife trade. Conservation efforts are aimed at protecting these species through a variety of strategies, such as habitat restoration, breeding programs, and strict anti-poaching laws. Some species are classified as Critically Endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List, meaning they face an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild.

For example, the Amur Leopard, a species native to the Russian Far East and parts of China, is critically endangered due to habitat loss and poaching. There are fewer than 100 individuals left in the wild. Conservation efforts are essential to stabilising the population. Another example is the Yangtze Giant Softshell Turtle, which has only three individuals remaining. This turtle faces threats from habitat destruction and pollution. Conservationists are working on breeding programs to increase its population and restore its habitat. The Sunda Pangolin is also critically endangered. It is hunted for its meat and scales, which are highly valued in some traditional medicines. The population of this species has decreased drastically, and it faces the risk of becoming extinct in the near future. Conservation measures are focusing on halting illegal trade and protecting its habitat. The Axolotl, a type of salamander found in the lakes near Mexico City, is critically endangered due to habitat destruction and pollution. Efforts are being made to restore the lakes and raise awareness about the importance of preserving this unique species.

Which species has the smallest population size, making it the most critically endangered?

Read the text below and answer the question:

Endangered species are organisms that are at risk of extinction due to factors such as habitat loss, poaching, climate change, and the illegal wildlife trade. Conservation efforts are aimed at protecting these species through a variety of strategies, such as habitat restoration, breeding programs, and strict anti-poaching laws. Some species are classified as Critically Endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List, meaning they face an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild.

For example, the Amur Leopard, a species native to the Russian Far East and parts of China, is critically endangered due to habitat loss and poaching. There are fewer than 100 individuals left in the wild. Conservation efforts are essential to stabilising the population. Another example is the Yangtze Giant Softshell Turtle, which has only three individuals remaining. This turtle faces threats from habitat destruction and pollution. Conservationists are working on breeding programs to increase its population and restore its habitat. The Sunda Pangolin is also critically endangered. It is hunted for its meat and scales, which are highly valued in some traditional medicines. The population of this species has decreased drastically, and it faces the risk of becoming extinct in the near future. Conservation measures are focusing on halting illegal trade and protecting its habitat. The Axolotl, a type of salamander found in the lakes near Mexico City, is critically endangered due to habitat destruction and pollution. Efforts are being made to restore the lakes and raise awareness about the importance of preserving this unique species.

Which species' conservation efforts should primarily focus on protecting its habitat and enforcing anti-poaching laws?

Read the text below and answer the question:

Endangered species are organisms that are at risk of extinction due to factors such as habitat loss, poaching, climate change, and the illegal wildlife trade. Conservation efforts are aimed at protecting these species through a variety of strategies, such as habitat restoration, breeding programs, and strict anti-poaching laws. Some species are classified as Critically Endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List, meaning they face an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild.

For example, the Amur Leopard, a species native to the Russian Far East and parts of China, is critically endangered due to habitat loss and poaching. There are fewer than 100 individuals left in the wild. Conservation efforts are essential to stabilising the population. Another example is the Yangtze Giant Softshell Turtle, which has only three individuals remaining. This turtle faces threats from habitat destruction and pollution. Conservationists are working on breeding programs to increase its population and restore its habitat. The Sunda Pangolin is also critically endangered. It is hunted for its meat and scales, which are highly valued in some traditional medicines. The population of this species has decreased drastically, and it faces the risk of becoming extinct in the near future. Conservation measures are focusing on halting illegal trade and protecting its habitat. The Axolotl, a type of salamander found in the lakes near Mexico City, is critically endangered due to habitat destruction and pollution. Efforts are being made to restore the lakes and raise awareness about the importance of preserving this unique species.

Which species is being helped by breeding programs to increase its population?

Read the text below and answer the question:

Endangered species are organisms that are at risk of extinction due to factors such as habitat loss, poaching, climate change, and the illegal wildlife trade. Conservation efforts are aimed at protecting these species through a variety of strategies, such as habitat restoration, breeding programs, and strict anti-poaching laws. Some species are classified as Critically Endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List, meaning they face an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild.

For example, the Amur Leopard, a species native to the Russian Far East and parts of China, is critically endangered due to habitat loss and poaching. There are fewer than 100 individuals left in the wild. Conservation efforts are essential to stabilising the population. Another example is the Yangtze Giant Softshell Turtle, which has only three individuals remaining. This turtle faces threats from habitat destruction and pollution. Conservationists are working on breeding programs to increase its population and restore its habitat. The Sunda Pangolin is also critically endangered. It is hunted for its meat and scales, which are highly valued in some traditional medicines. The population of this species has decreased drastically, and it faces the risk of becoming extinct in the near future. Conservation measures are focusing on halting illegal trade and protecting its habitat. The Axolotl, a type of salamander found in the lakes near Mexico City, is critically endangered due to habitat destruction and pollution. Efforts are being made to restore the lakes and raise awareness about the importance of preserving this unique species.

What is the primary cause of the endangerment of the Sunda Pangolin?