The practice of protecting an endangered plant or animal species in its natural habitat is called:
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → In situ conservation
In situ conservation means conservation “on site”. The threatened species is protected in its natural habitat, so the whole ecosystem is protected with it. National parks, wildlife sanctuaries and biosphere reserves are examples. The opposite approach is ex situ conservation, in which the threatened plants and animals are taken out of their natural habitat and cared for in a special setting.
(1) Ex situ conservation — Incorrect. The word ex situ means “off site”. The species is kept outside its natural habitat.
(2) In situ conservation — Correct. The species is protected in its natural habitat.
(3) Cryopreservation — Incorrect. It is an ex situ method. Gametes of threatened species are stored in a viable and fertile state for a long time, away from the habitat.
(4) Zoological park conservation — Incorrect. It is also an ex situ method. Threatened animals are kept and cared for in a zoo, away from their natural habitat.
NCERT Extract:
How Do We Conserve Biodiversity? – …
