According to IUCN, when a taxon is facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the immediate future, it is

Options

A. Extinct in the wild
B. Endangered
C. Critically endangered
D. Vulnerable

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding the IUCN Categories**: The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) classifies species based on their risk of extinction. The main categories include:
- Extinct in the Wild
- Endangered
- Critically Endangered
- Vulnerable

2. **Defining Each Category**:
- **Extinct in the Wild**: This category refers to species that no longer exist in their natural habitat and only survive in controlled environments (like zoos).
- **Endangered**: This category includes species that are at a high risk of extinction in the wild.
- **Critically Endangered**: This category is for species that are facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the immediate future.
- **Vulnerable**: This category refers to species that are at a high risk of becoming endangered.

3. **Identifying the Correct Answer**: The question specifically asks for the category that indicates an "extremely high risk of extinction in the immediate future." According to the definitions provided, this corresponds to the category of **Critically Endangered**.

4. **Conclusion**: Therefore, the correct answer to the question is that a taxon facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the immediate future is classified as **Critically Endangered**.

**Final Answer**: Critically Endangered

---