Which taxonomic group has more species in the world than the combined total of fishes, amphibians, reptiles, and mammals?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 4
The correct answer is Option (4) → Fungi
Most recorded species on earth are animals, and insects are the richest group among them. Among the groups the book calls plants, fungi stand out. The number of fungi species is more than the combined total of the species of fishes, amphibians, reptiles and mammals.
NCERT Extract:
How Many Species are there on Earth and How Many in India? – “… Among animals, insects are the most species-rich taxonomic group, making up more than 70 per cent of the total. … The number of fungi species in the world is more than the combined total of the species of fishes, amphibians, reptiles and mammals. In Figure 13.1, biodiversity is depicted showing species number of major taxa.”
Figure 13.1 Representing global biodiversity: proportionate number of species of major taxa of plants, invertebrates and vertebrates