explain the difference between endangered species and a threatened species

Endangered is the animal is almost extinct

Threatened is the animal is likely to become endangered

There r designations at the state & federal levels that r similar but usually overlap. A species that is endangered is on the brink of extinction, & is often listed too late for agencies to do much about. Protecting a threatened species, & it is habitat -- although habitat types themselves can be threatened & endangered -- usually keeps the numbers up at a point where recovery is possible.

By protecting ecosystems, u protect not only designated species but all species that inhabit a given area. Otherwise u end up with ecological islands, with little or no exchange between populations.

endangered species are closer to extinction. threatened species are closer to being endangered.To protect individual species you can join some group and sponser them but to protect the whole environment you can go by the three r is ( reduce, reuse, recycle)

Endangered is just that the numbers dwindling. Threatened is the next step to extinction.maybe visa versa.hmmm.

ENDANGERED - any species that is in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant portion of its range;
THREATENED - any species that is likely to become an endangered species within the foreseeable future
throughout all or a significant portion of its range.

The benefit of protection an ecosystem rather than individual species of plants & animals is because an ecosystem makes up tons of different species & take one thing out & it would all fall apart.

This sounds like a homework question. You should really figure this out on your own so you can get a better understanding of the question. Once you really think about it, it will come to you and then you will really understand it and get into it. Maybe, you might end up saving the world. You never know until you try.