Given below are two statements:
Statement I: Careful analysis of records shows that extinctions across taxa are not random.
Statement II: Among the groups of organisms, amphibians appear to be more vulnerable to extinction.
In the light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below:
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 1
The correct answer is Option (1) → Both Statement I and Statement II are true
Records of recent extinctions show a pattern. Species are not lost evenly from all groups; some groups are lost more often than others.
Statement I: Careful analysis of records shows that extinctions across taxa are not random. — True. Extinctions do not strike all groups by chance in the same way. Certain taxonomic groups lose species more often.
Statement II: Among the groups of organisms, amphibians appear to be more vulnerable to extinction. — True. NCERT names amphibians as a group that appears more vulnerable. It also says that 32 per cent of all amphibian species in the world face the threat of extinction, a larger share than for birds or mammals.
NCERT Extract:
Loss of Biodiversity – “… The last twenty years alone have witnessed the disappearance of 27 species. Careful analysis of records shows that extinctions across taxa are not random; some groups like amphibians appear to be more vulnerable to extinction. Adding to the grim scenario of extinctions is the fact that more than 15,500 species world-wide are facing the threat of extinction. Presently, 12 per cent of all bird species, 23 per cent of all mammal species, 32 per cent of all amphibian species and 31per cent of all gymnosperm species in the world face the threat of extinction.”