Which state has the largest number of endangered species?

Which state has the largest number of endangered species?

• A. California
• B. Alaska
• C. Hawaii
• D. Florida

Answer: (C)

Endangered species counts are highest where biodiversity is highly endemic and ecosystems are particularly vulnerable to disturbances. Hawaii fits this pattern because its isolation creates many species found nowhere else in the world, so each species has a very small geographic range. When habitat loss, invasive species, or climate changes affect even a few populations, a larger share of the state's species can become endangered. The combination of many endemics and ongoing environmental pressure pushes Hawaii to the top of the list. California, Florida, and Alaska have rich wildlife too, but Hawaii’s unique, localized species make its total number of endangered species larger.

Endangered species counts are highest where biodiversity is highly endemic and ecosystems are particularly vulnerable to disturbances. Hawaii fits this pattern because its isolation creates many species found nowhere else in the world, so each species has a very small geographic range. When habitat loss, invasive species, or climate changes affect even a few populations, a larger share of the state's species can become endangered. The combination of many endemics and ongoing environmental pressure pushes Hawaii to the top of the list. California, Florida, and Alaska have rich wildlife too, but Hawaii’s unique, localized species make its total number of endangered species larger.