With reference to 'Endangered Animals', consider the following statements: 1. These are animals whose numbers are increasing rapidly. 2. Small animals are also at risk of becoming extinct. 3. The Red Data Book maintains a record of such animals. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

The correct option is (c). Explanation Endangered species are organisms whose populations have declined significantly or whose habitats have been drastically reduced, placing them at a high risk of extinction in the near future. The conservation status of these species is monitored to prevent their disappearance from the ecosystem. Statement-wise Analysis - Statement 1 is Incorrect. Endangered animals are defined by populations that are diminishing or have reached a critically low level, not increasing. If a species' numbers were increasing rapidly, it would generally not be classified as endangered. - Statement 2 is Correct. Extinction risks are not limited to large, charismatic megafauna. Small animals (such as insects, amphibians, and small reptiles) are often more sensitive to environmental changes and habitat loss, making them equally, if not more, at risk of becoming extinct. - Statement 3 is Correct. The Red Data Book is the sourcebook that maintains an international record of all endangered animals and plants. It is maintained by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) to guide conservation efforts. Key Takeaway: Endangered animals are characterized by declining populations facing extinction; this status applies to both large and small organisms and is officially recorded in the IUCN Red Data Book.

NCERT Class 8 Environment & Ecology — Chapter 1: Conservation of plants and animals

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With reference to 'Endangered Animals', consider the following statements:

These are animals whose numbers are increasing rapidly.
Small animals are also at risk of becoming extinct.
The Red Data Book maintains a record of such animals.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

A1 and 2 only
B2 only
C2 and 3 only
D1, 2 and 3

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is (c).

Explanation

Endangered species are organisms whose populations have declined significantly or whose habitats have been drastically reduced, placing them at a high risk of extinction in the near future. The conservation status of these species is monitored to prevent their disappearance from the ecosystem.

Statement-wise Analysis

Statement 1 is Incorrect. Endangered animals are defined by populations that are diminishing or have reached a critically low level, not increasing. If a species' numbers were increasing rapidly, it would generally not be classified as endangered.
Statement 2 is Correct. Extinction risks are not limited to large, charismatic megafauna. Small animals (such as insects, amphibians, and small reptiles) are often more sensitive to environmental changes and habitat loss, making them equally, if not more, at risk of becoming extinct.
Statement 3 is Correct. The Red Data Book is the sourcebook that maintains an international record of all endangered animals and plants. It is maintained by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) to guide conservation efforts.

Key Takeaway: Endangered animals are characterized by declining populations facing extinction; this status applies to both large and small organisms and is officially recorded in the IUCN Red Data Book.

Your note

More from Chapter 1: Conservation of plants and animals

In ecological studies, a species confined naturally to a particular geographical region is described as:

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Which of the following pairs is correctly matched regarding the Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve? 1. Satpura : National Park 2. Tawa : Reservoir 3. Panarpani : Gate Select the correct answer using the code given below:

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With reference to 'Wildlife Sanctuaries', consider the following statements: 1. They provide protection and suitable living conditions to wild animals. 2. Killing or capturing animals is generally permitted in these sanctuaries. 3. They are completely closed to all human activities including grazing and firewood collection.

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Which of the following animals were once found in Satpura National Park? 1. Lions 2. Elephants 3. Wild Buffaloes 4. Barasingha

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Consider the following statements regarding the 'Satpura National Park': 1. It preserves only the flora and fauna, excluding landscape and historic objects. 2. Rock paintings found here depict figures of animals and men fighting, hunting, and dancing. 3. There are more than fifty rock shelters identified in this park.

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The correct option is (c).

Explanation

Statement-wise Analysis

Statement 1 is Incorrect. Endangered animals are defined by populations that are diminishing or have reached a critically low level, not increasing. If a species' numbers were increasing rapidly, it would generally not be classified as endangered.
Statement 2 is Correct. Extinction risks are not limited to large, charismatic megafauna. Small animals (such as insects, amphibians, and small reptiles) are often more sensitive to environmental changes and habitat loss, making them equally, if not more, at risk of becoming extinct.
Statement 3 is Correct. The Red Data Book is the sourcebook that maintains an international record of all endangered animals and plants. It is maintained by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) to guide conservation efforts.