Q.Amongst the animal groups given below, which one appears to be more vulnerable to extinction?

The question is about which animal group is more vulnerable to extinction. The NCERT textbook explains that extinction vulnerability depends on factors like habitat specificity, population size, and reproductive rate. Among the given options, amphibians are considered the most vulnerable.

Why amphibians? They have a dual life cycle, requiring both aquatic and terrestrial habitats, which makes them highly sensitive to environmental changes. Their permeable skin also makes them susceptible to pollutants and climate change. Additionally, many amphibians have low dispersal abilities and specific breeding sites, increasing their risk. …

The question asks you to compare the vulnerability of four animal groups — insects, mammals, amphibians, and reptiles — and pick the one most at risk of extinction. This is not about counting how many species exist in each group, but about understanding which group faces the greatest threat of disappearing entirely.

To answer this, we need to think about what makes a group of animals especially vulnerable. Extinction risk is not evenly spread across the animal kingdom. Some groups have traits that make them more resilient — for example, insects are incredibly numerous, reproduce quickly, and occupy almost every habitat on Earth. Mammals and reptiles, while more complex, often have larger body sizes and slower reproduction, but many species still manage to adapt or survive in changing conditions.

Amphibians, however, stand out as the most threatened group. The NCERT textbook explicitly highlights that amphibians are particularly vulnerable because of their dependence on both aquatic and terrestrial environments. Their thin, permeable skin makes them highly sensitive to pollutants, changes in temperature, and moisture levels. They also rely on water bodies for breeding, so any degradation of ponds, streams, or wetlands directly impacts their survival.

Beyond habitat loss, amphibians are also severely affected by emerging diseases like chytridiomycosis, which has wiped out entire populations in many parts of the world. Climate change adds another layer of stress — shifting rainfall patterns and rising temperatures can disrupt breeding cycles and dry up the temporary pools many species depend on. …

Rank the four groups by the chapter's own extinction-threat percentages (birds 12%, mammals 23%, amphibians 32%, gymnosperms 31%) — amphibians top the list — then confirm with the underlying biology: a dual aquatic-terrestrial life cycle and permea …