Question

Assignment: Designing a Database of Endangered and Extinct Species

Part 1:
Design a database of endangered and extinct species. This could be a table or a spreadsheet with the following categories of information:
Scientific Name
Classification (e.g., mammal, reptile, amphibian, insect, etc.)
Habitat (rainforest, ocean, etc.)
Cause of Endangerment or Extinction
Use the IUCN Red List for information or the Bagheera website. Include at least 10 species in your database. Save your database file for submission to your teacher. You may select from the following:
1. Black Lemur
2. Black Rhino
3. Black Footed Ferret
4. Dwarf Crocodile
5. Elephant
6. Florida Manatee
7. Giant Otter
8. Grey Whale
9. Hyacinth Macaw
10. Komodo Dragon
11. Leatherback Sea Turtle

Answer 1

The IUCN Red List provides critical information for a database of endangered and extinct species, listing over 16,000 species at risk of extinction due to factors like habitat loss and hunting. Including categories like Scientific Name, Classification, Habitat, and Cause of Endangerment or Extinction is essential for documenting the status of at least 10 species. The Red List guides conservation priorities by categorizing species' risk levels.

Step-by-step explanation:

When designing a database of endangered and extinct species, using resources like the IUCN Red List is crucial for obtaining reliable information. The IUCN Red List is a comprehensive inventory of the global conservation status of biological species which includes threatened species, stating that over 16,000 species are at a high risk of extinction. The reasons behind such high rates of endangerment and extinction include factors like habitat loss, pollution, overhunting, and overfishing.

In creating your database, you should include categories like Scientific Name, Classification, Habitat, and Cause of Endangerment or Extinction for at least 10 species. For instance, the Black Rhino is classified as a mammal, inhabits various African ecosystems, and is threatened primarily due to poaching and habitat loss. Similarly, the Leatherback Sea Turtle, classified as reptile, resides in oceanic habitats, and faces endangerment mostly because of marine pollution and accidental capture in fishing gear.

Overall, understanding the degree to which each species is threatened is fundamental in conservation efforts. The IUCN Red List assists with this by offering detailed information and assessments of species' statuses, thereby guiding conservation priorities.