Question

What percentage of plant and animal species is expected to be at risk if warming exceeds 2 - 3°C above pre-industrial temperatures?

a) Less than 10%
b) 10-20%
c) 20-30%
d) More than 30%

Answer 1

More than 30% of plant and animal species are expected to be at risk if global warming leads to temperatures rising 2 - 3°C above pre-industrial levels, as indicated by the IPCC and scientific studies.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question relates to the impact of global warming on biodiversity, particularly on plant and animal species. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), and findings from Thomas et al. 2004, there is an expectation of a significant increase in species at risk if global warming results in a temperature rise of 2 - 3°C above pre-industrial levels. The correct answer is d) More than 30% of plant and animal species are estimated to be at risk in such a scenario. This statistical prediction emphasizes the serious consequences of rising global temperatures and the associated shifts in species distributions, which can result in widespread extinctions and changes to ecosystems.