With reference to the composition of Earth’s recorded biodiversity, which of the following is correct?

The correct option is Animals constitute more than 70 % of recorded species

Explanation

Global biodiversity inventories, such as those compiled by the IUCN (2004), provide a statistical breakdown of recorded species. The total number of described plant and animal species is slightly more than 1.5 million, with distinct patterns in the distribution of taxa.

Detailed Analysis:

• Animals constitute more than 70 % of recorded species is Correct: Animals are the most diverse group among recorded species, constituting more than 70 % of the total.
• Plants comprise about half of all recorded species is Incorrect: Plants (a category here broadly including algae, fungi, bryophytes, gymnosperms, and angiosperms) comprise no more than 22 % of the total recorded species.
• Insects constitute less than half of all animal species is Incorrect: Insects are the most species-rich taxonomic group within the animal kingdom, making up more than 70 % of all animals. This implies that out of every 10 animals on Earth, 7 are insects.
• Vertebrates comprise a larger number of species than fungi is Incorrect: The diversity of fungi is exceptionally high. The number of fungi species exceeds the combined total of all vertebrate species (fishes, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals).

Key Takeaway:
Recorded biodiversity is dominated by animals (>70%), with insects forming the vast majority of the animal kingdom. Fungi diversity is significantly higher than that of vertebrates.