Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The Red Data Book is an inventory of the global conservation status of biological species.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Maintained by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the Red Data Book records information about rare, threatened, and endangered species of plants and animals.
It classifies species into various categories such as Extinct, Extinct in the Wild, Critically Endangered, Endangered, and Vulnerable.
This helps scientists and governments prioritize conservation efforts for those at the highest risk of extinction.
Step 3: Final Answer:
The Red Data Book specifically catalogs endangered and extinct organisms.