Question

1. in 2016, the international union for conservation of nature (iucn) raised the iucn red list threat level for the giant panda from \endangered\ to \vulnerable.\ which of these statements seems the most reasonable explanation for the upgrade? a. with new information from satellites and other sources, panda populations seem to be larger than originally estimated. b. food sources for pandas decreased due to overpopulation. c. panda birthrates decreased. d. pandas began to immigrate from other areas.

Explanation:

• Option A: If new data (from satellites etc.) shows panda populations are larger than initially thought, their threat level being reduced (from endangered to vulnerable) makes sense, as a larger population means less risk of extinction.
• Option B: A decrease in food sources due to overpopulation would likely increase the threat level, not decrease it, so this is illogical.
• Option C: A decrease in birthrates would mean the population is at more risk, increasing the threat level, not decreasing it.
• Option D: Pandas are not known to immigrate from other areas in large numbers to change their threat status; their population status is more about their own reproduction and habitat in their native range.

Answer:

A. With new information from satellites and other sources, panda populations seem to be larger than originally estimated.