Identify the most species rich taxonomic group among animals.

The correct answer is Option (4) → Insects

A group is “species rich” when it has a very large number of species. More than 70 per cent of all recorded species are animals. Among animals, insects alone make up more than 70 per cent. So, out of every 10 animal species, about 7 are insects.

(1) Fish — Incorrect. Fishes have far fewer species than insects. Even the number of fungi species is more than the fishes, amphibians, reptiles and mammals put together.

(2) Birds — Incorrect. Birds have far fewer species than insects.

(3) Mammals — Incorrect. Mammals are one of the smaller groups in number of species.

(4) Insects — Correct. Insects are the most species-rich taxonomic group among animals.

Note: A similar question was also asked in CUET (UG) 2023 on 28-05-2023 (Slot 1).

NCERT Extract:
Biodiversity – …