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endangered species

endangered species

50 3.2
A kind of animal or plant that may soon die out
  • noun
  • /ɪnˈdeɪndʒərd ˈspiːʃiz/
translation icon : especie en peligro de extinción
  • The Everglades are home to 36 threatened or endangered species, all of which are greatly affected by changes in water flow.
  • threatened and endangered species
  • endangered species list
  • protection for endangered species

These are majestic, wild, endangered species.

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Examples

  • I'll be working on the genetics of endangered species in the Brazilian preserves.

    Fiction book (1997)
  • Sometimes, the question of whether to breed all subspecies of an endangered species depends more on politics than biology.

    Academic text (1992)
  • Animals that are on the endangered species list.

  • The project will improve the habitat for endangered species when completed.

    Academic text (2012)
  • The government banned the export and limited the hunting of endangered species.

    Academic text (1990)
  • The Wildlife Conservation Network works to protect endangered species and preserve their natural habitats.

    Blog text (20)
  • And the manatees too are endangered species that inhabit the Gulf.

  • Well, then, wouldn't it make more sense to take her to a preserve that specializes in endangered species?

  • Being a nature lover, however, I also hope to see other endangered species like this lovable Kakapo saved from extinction.

    Academic text (2012)
  • Conservationists are working hard to save the endangered species from extinction.

Antonyms

77 3.0

Present in large amounts or more than needed

How Threatened

extinct
102 3.6
endangered species
50 3.2
Mead's milkweed
  • Specialized
1 9.9
rare animal
2 6.4
vulgaris
  • Specialized
9.4

Surface Forms

Morphology

endangered + species

The meaning 'a species seriously at risk of extinction' is directly and compositionally derived from 'endangered' (at risk of extinction) modifying 'species' (a group of organisms). This straightforward adjective + noun combination follows common cross-linguistic patterns, so a B1 learner who knows both words will readily understand the MWE.

Etymology

Endangered species comes from a simple image: endangered means 'in danger' and species means a type or group of animal or plant. So the phrase says this type may 'die out' or disappear, and that's why we use it for animals and plants that are seriously at risk.