Which of the following statements about the species recorded on earth…

The correct answer is Option (2) → Of all the species recorded, plants make up a larger share than animals.

The species inventories show a clear imbalance between groups. More than 70 per cent of all species recorded are animals, while plants, including algae, fungi, bryophytes, gymnosperms and angiosperms, make up no more than 22 per cent. Among animals, insects are the richest group.

Option (1) A conservative and scientifically sound estimate of global species diversity was made by Robert May. — A correct statement. Some estimates of global species diversity run from 20 to 50 million, but the more conservative and scientifically sound estimate was made by Robert May.

Option (2) Of all the species recorded, plants make up a larger share than animals. — An incorrect statement. Animals, not plants, make up the larger share of the species recorded.

Option (3) Among animals, insects are the most species-rich taxonomic group. — A correct statement. Insects make up more than 70 per cent of all animal species; out of every 10 animals, 7 are insects.

Option (4) The number of fungi species in the world is more than the combined total of the species of fishes, amphibians, reptiles and mammals. — A correct statement. Fungi have more species than fishes, amphibians, reptiles and mammals put together, as Figure 13.1 shows.

NCERT Extract:
How Many Species are there on Earth and How Many in India? – “… Some extreme estimates range from 20 to 50 million, but a more conservative and scientifically sound estimate made by Robert May places the global species diversity at about 7 million.”
How Many Species are there on Earth and How Many in India? – “… More than 70 per cent of all the species recorded are animals, while plants (including algae, fungi, bryophytes, gymnosperms and angiosperms) comprise no more than 22 per cent of the total. Among animals, insects are the most species-rich taxonomic group, making up more than 70 per cent of the total. That means, out of every 10 animals on this planet, 7 are insects. Again, how do we explain this enormous diversification of insects? The number of fungi species in the world is more than the combined total of the species of fishes, amphibians, reptiles and mammals.”

Figure 13.1 Representing global biodiversity: proportionate number of species of major taxa of plants, invertebrates and vertebrates