Read the text and choose the best answers to complete the sentences. It is a natural phenomenon that animal species have come and gone since life began on earth. The question, therefore, is why we need to be concerned about species that are endangered. The ultimate purpose for the ceaseless effort to protect the endangered species is to ensure sustainable development for the community and for the world. It has been scientifically proven that unless we use our natural resources wisely for the benefit and enjoyment of future generations, disastrous consequences will come with irreversible effects on Mother Nature and ourselves. In nature, everything is interconnected and the disappearance of a single animal population in a corner of a forest, swamp or river will eventually lead to ecological imbalance of the whole region. There are over forty thousand species on the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) Red List and, unfortunately, more than one third of them (16,306) are endangered species threatened with extinction. The current endangered species, increased by 200 species from last year, include both animals and plants. Among the most endangered species is the panda, which has apparently become the international symbol of conservation. According to IUCN, there are nine groups of endangered species of which four are very serious trouble. The most unfortunate one is Extinct, which refers to the group with no known individuals remaining anywhere in the world. There is not much that can be done with this group. For the next three groups, they need immediate attention as they run the risk of extinction. First, it is Extinct in the wild, including animals known only to survive in captivity (e.g. the zoo). Second, it is animals with extremely high risk of extinction in the wild, called Critically endangered. And finally, it is the Endangered group, which is defined to have “high extinction in the wild.” 1. Endangered species protection plays a vital role in _____________. A. ceaseless efforts B. the development of the community and the world C. the usage of natural resources D. our benefits and enjoyment 2. Excessive use of natural resources will lead to _____________. A. the benefit and enjoyment of future generations B. sustainable development C. irreversible effects on nature and humankind D. the disappearance of a single animal population 3. There is a(n) ____________ between species and their habitat. A. interconnection B. imbalance C. balance D. separation 4. ___________ are threatened with extinction. A. More than one-third of species in IUCN Red List B. Both animals and plants C. 200 species D. Over forty thousand species 5. Species that _____________ belong to the Extinct in the wild group. A. have extremely high risk of extinction B. remain individually in the wild C. highly extinct in the wild D. no longer live in the wild