MDARD Michigan Core Pesticide Applicator Practice Exam

Which species are considered threatened?

1. Species that are extinct

2. Species at risk of endangerment

3. Species that have fully recovered

4. Species not found in their habitat

The correct answer is: Species at risk of endangerment

The correct choice is the description of species that are at risk of endangerment. Threatened species are those that are likely to become endangered in the foreseeable future. This classification indicates that while these species are not currently at the brink of extinction, they face significant threats that could lead them to that status if conservation efforts are not implemented or if conditions do not improve. Understanding this classification is crucial for conservation efforts, as identifying species that are threatened allows for targeted actions to protect and preserve their populations and habitats, thus preventing them from becoming endangered. This proactive approach plays a vital role in biodiversity conservation and management. In contrast, species that are extinct no longer exist, and those that have fully recovered are no longer considered threatened since their populations have stabilized or increased. Furthermore, species not found in their habitat may not inherently be considered threatened; their absence could be due to a variety of factors unrelated to their risk status.