Question

"Tropical biotas are also among the most endangered anywhere, their most charismatic inhabitants often difficult to find." (Paragraph 4)

What does the word charismatic mean in the sentence?

Answer 1

In the context of biodiversity, 'charismatic' refers to species that are appealing and draw public interest, helping to raise awareness for conservation issues.

Step-by-step explanation:

The term charismatic in the context of the sentence from your reading refers to species that are appealing or attractive in a way that draws interest or concern from the public or conservationists. These are typically species that are well-known and have a strong symbolic or emotional appeal, which often helps raise awareness for conservation issues. For example, animals like the giant panda, Bengal tiger, or the bottlenose dolphin are considered charismatic because they are familiar to many people and can inspire conservation efforts.