Endangered species are organisms that are?

Step 1: Analyze the question The question asks for the meaning of "endangered species" in ecology and conservation.

Step 2: Explain the concept An endangered species is a species whose population has become so small, or whose habitat has been so reduced, that it is at serious risk of becoming extinct. Examples in Nigeria and West Africa include the Cross River gorilla, the drill monkey, the African elephant, and the pangolin. Causes include:

• Habitat destruction (deforestation, urbanization)
• Overhunting and poaching
• Pollution
• Climate change

Step 3: Evaluate the options

• A. Likely to migrate to other favourable lands: Migration is movement from place to place. It is not what "endangered" means.
• B. Likely to disappear from the surface of the earth: This matches the definition. Endangered means at risk of extinction.
• C. Reproducing profusely in an area: This describes a thriving or overpopulated species, the opposite of endangered.
• D. Dangerous to humans and attacking other animals: This describes dangerous or predatory animals and has nothing to do with conservation status.

Step 4: Answer

Tip: Link the word to its meaning: "endangered" means "in danger" of extinction. Also remember the related terms:

• Endangered: at high risk of disappearing
• Extinct: already gone
• Threatened/Vulnerable: likely to become endangered if conditions do not improve

Keep it up. Definition questions like this are easy marks once you know the key terms.