What is the difference between a threatened species and an endangered species ?

Options

A. A threatened species is already extinct. An endangered species means that the population's numbers have increased greatly over the last 5 years
B. A threatened species and an endangered species are the same thing
C. A threatened species means that the population is likely to become endangered. An endangered species is already extinct
D. A threatened species means that the population is likely to become endangered. An endangered species has population numbers so low that it is likely to become extinct

Answer

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Definition of Threatened Species**:
- A threatened species refers to a species that is at risk of becoming endangered in the near future. This means that their population is declining, but they are not yet at a critical level.

2. **Definition of Endangered Species**:
- An endangered species is one that is at a very high risk of extinction in the wild. This indicates that their population has decreased significantly and immediate action is required to prevent their extinction.

3. **Comparison of Population Status**:
- Threatened species have a declining population but are not yet critically low. In contrast, endangered species have a much smaller population and are facing a more immediate threat of extinction.

4. **Potential for Extinction**:
- If the factors threatening a threatened species are not addressed, it can become an endangered species. Conversely, if the threats to an endangered species are not mitigated, it may become extinct.

5. **Examples**:
- An example of a threatened species could be the tiger, which is facing habitat loss and poaching. If conservation efforts are not implemented, the tiger could become endangered. An example of an endangered species could be the Amur leopard, which has a very small population and is critically endangered.

6. **Conclusion**:
- In summary, the main difference between a threatened species and an endangered species lies in their risk levels. Threatened species are at risk of becoming endangered, while endangered species are at a high risk of extinction.