The correct answer is: B. species localised in a specific region.
An endemic species is a species that is native to a particular geographic region and is not found anywhere else in the world. Endemic species can be found on land, in freshwater, or in marine environments. They can be plants, animals, or even microorganisms.
Endemic species are often found in areas with unique environmental conditions, such as islands, mountain ranges, or deserts. These unique conditions can make it difficult for other species to colonize these areas, which helps to protect endemic species from extinction.
However, endemic species are also vulnerable to extinction due to habitat loss, climate change, and other human activities. As a result, many endemic species are now threatened or endangered.
Here is a brief explanation of each option:
- A. rare species: A rare species is a species that has a small population size and is not found in many places. Rare species can be endemic, but they can also be found in multiple regions.
- B. species localised in a specific region: An endemic species is a species that is native to a particular geographic region and is not found anywhere else in the world.
- C. cosmopolitan in distribution: A cosmopolitan species is a species that is found in all parts of the world. Cosmopolitan species are not endemic to any particular region.
- D. critically endangered species: A critically endangered species is a species that is at very high risk of extinction. Critically endangered species can be endemic, but they can also be found in multiple regions.