In environmental conservation, the Red Data Book contains records of which type of living things?

Introduction / Context:
The Red Data Book is a key reference in environmental science and wildlife conservation. This question checks whether you understand what type of information is recorded in this important document. Many competitive exams test basic awareness of conservation tools such as the Red Data Book, the IUCN Red List, and national biodiversity registers, because they reflect global concern about species loss and ecological balance.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The focus is on the contents of the Red Data Book used in conservation biology.
• Several options mention minerals, rivers, specific animals, and threatened plants and animals.
• Standard school level environmental science definitions are assumed.

Concept / Approach:
The Red Data Book, and related Red Lists, are compiled by conservation authorities to document the conservation status of species. They primarily list plant and animal species that are rare, vulnerable, endangered, or critically endangered. The aim is to provide scientific data on population trends, distribution, and threats, so that governments and organisations can prioritise conservation actions. While environmental problems such as drying rivers or mineral depletion are serious, they are not the main focus of the Red Data Book. Instead, the emphasis is on living species and the risk that they may disappear forever if no action is taken.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
To verify this, you can look at descriptions of the Red List and Red Data Book in environmental science textbooks. They explain that these documents list species status categories such as extinct, critically endangered, endangered, vulnerable, near threatened, and least concern. Example entries include different mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and plants. There is no separate section devoted to minerals or rivers, confirming that the central focus is on living species and their risk levels.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

Rare minerals and geological formations is wrong because geological resources are studied in geology and resource surveys, not primarily in the Red Data Book.

Rivers and lakes that are drying up is incorrect because water bodies are part of environmental impact studies and hydrology reports, not the main subject of species based Red Data Books.

Only rare animal species such as red pandas is incomplete because these books include both plant and animal species and many different groups, not just one iconic animal.

Common Pitfalls:
A common mistake is to assume that any environmental problem, such as vanishing rivers or mineral scarcity, must be recorded in the same type of document. Another error is to think that the Red Data Book is limited to well known wildlife like tigers or pandas. In reality, it systematically lists a wide range of species, including lesser known plants, insects, and amphibians that are also in danger. Remember that the Red Data Book is about biodiversity conservation, not about all natural resources in general.

Final Answer:
The Red Data Book contains information about rare and endangered plants and animals under threat of extinction rather than minerals or rivers.