Final answer:
Endangered and threatened species differ in terms of the level and immediacy of extinction risk. Endangered species are currently facing a high risk of extinction, while threatened species are likely to become endangered in the near future if no action is taken. Examples include the black rhino (endangered) and the polar bear (threatened).
Step-by-step explanation:
Endangered species and threatened species are terms used to categorize species that are at risk of extinction. The main difference lies in the level of risk and the timeframe involved. An endangered species refers to a species that is currently facing a high risk of extinction and is at immediate risk. For example, the black rhino is an endangered species due to poaching and habitat loss.
On the other hand, a threatened species is a species that is likely to become endangered in the near future if the factors contributing to its decline are not addressed. This category indicates a lower level of risk compared to endangered species. For instance, the polar bear is considered a threatened species due to the loss of sea ice caused by climate change.
Learn more about Difference between endangered species and threatened species