What defines an endangered species?

An endangered species is defined as a species that is at risk of extinction due to various pressures, which may include habitat loss, pollution, climate change, overexploitation, and invasive species. The key characteristic of an endangered species is its vulnerability in the face of these threats, which can lead to a significant decline in population size and an overall reduction in genetic diversity.

This definition encompasses a wide range of organisms that are facing dire circumstances, as documented by organizations like the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The classification serves to raise awareness about the plight of these species and the urgent need for conservation efforts to protect their habitats and restore their populations.

In contrast, a thriving and increasing species, as described in the first option, does not fall into the endangered category, as its population is stable or growing. The third option, which refers to a species solely found in zoos, fails to capture the broader concept of species in the wild facing threats and does not relate to the criteria for endangerment. Lastly, a species that only contributes to tourism is not a relevant definition for endangerment, as it does not directly address the species’ risk status or the environmental pressures it faces. Thus, the correct identification of an endangered species