Several endangered birds are under consideration for use of an
ex situ conservation program to save their species. Species A lives
in a relatively stable habitat but is extremely rare. Species B is
also extremely rare, and lives in a habitat threatened by possible
human expansion. Numbers of species C have plummeted in the last 50
years to less than a hundred individuals and the survivors live in
a habitat that is declining but could be improved over time. Which
of these species should conservationists choose for their ex situ
program?
A. Any of the three species, because their situations are
relatively similar.
B. Species B, because of the potential human threat.
C. Species C, because of its rapid decline and its recoverable
habitat.
D. Species A, because of its rarity.