Question

which of the following describes a species that is likely to become endangered?
a a species that is not a focus of species conservation.
b a species that only exists in captivity.
c a species that will qualify as vulnerable in the near future.
d a species that has declined 30 percent to 50 percent in population over ten years.

Explanation:

A species that will qualify as vulnerable in the near future is on the path to becoming endangered. Vulnerable is a category that can lead to endangered status if conditions worsen. A species not a focus of conservation (A) doesn't necessarily mean it will be endangered. A species only in captivity (B) is already in a critical state (possibly extinct in the wild) but not the same as likely to become endangered. A population decline of 30 - 50% over ten years (D) might not be the threshold for likely to become endangered (depending on criteria, but vulnerable in the near future (C) is a more direct indicator).

Answer:

C. A species that will qualify as vulnerable in the near future.