Question

Given below is a 'pie chart' representing the global biodiversity:

Proportionate number of species of major taxa.

1. Identify (X) and (Y) in the given 'pie chart'.
2. "Extinction of species across taxa are not random." Which group amongst the vertebrates is more vulnerable to extinction?
3. Give one example of each of the recent extinctions of species in Russia, Mauritius and Australia.

Answer 1

1. The relative number of species of the main taxa of vertebrates is shown in the pie chart. In this instance, X stands for fish and Y for amphibians.
2. Among the vertebrates, amphibians are more vulnerable to extinction.
3. Some examples of recent extinctions include the dodo (Mauritius), thylacine (Australia), and Steller’s Sea Cow (Russia).