Cryopreservation and in vitro fertilisation are mainly used under which of the following conservation methods?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → Ex-situ conservation
Biodiversity is conserved in two ways. In situ (on site) conservation protects species in their natural home, in places such as biosphere reserves, national parks, wildlife sanctuaries and sacred groves. Ex situ (off site) conservation keeps species outside their natural home, in zoos, botanical gardens and seed banks. Modern ex situ methods also include freezing gametes (cryopreservation) and fertilising eggs in vitro (in the laboratory).
Option (1) In-situ conservation — Incorrect. In situ conservation protects the whole natural habitat and lets the species live there. It does not involve freezing gametes or laboratory fertilisation.
Option (2) Ex-situ conservation — Correct. Cryopreservation keeps gametes of threatened species viable and fertile for long periods, and in vitro fertilisation makes embryos outside the body. Both work outside the natural habitat, so they are ex situ methods.
Option (3) Conservation in National parks — Incorrect. National parks protect species in their natural habitat. India has about 90 national parks, and they are part of its in situ conservation.
Option (4) Conservation in Biosphere reserve — Incorrect. Biosphere reserves also protect species where they live naturally. India’s 14 biosphere reserves are part of its in situ conservation.
NCERT Extract:
Ex situ Conservation – “In this approach, threatened animals and plants are taken out from their natural habitat and placed in special setting where they can be protected and given special care. … In recent years ex situ conservation has advanced beyond keeping threatened species in enclosures. Now gametes of threatened species can be preserved in viable and fertile condition for long periods using cryopreservation techniques, eggs can be fertilised in vitro, and plants can be propagated using tissue culture methods.”
Summary – “… Our country’s in situ conservation efforts are reflected in its 14 biosphere reserves, 90 national parks, > 450 wildlife sanctuaries and many sacred groves. Ex situ conservation methods include protective maintenance of threatened species in zoological parks and botanical gardens, in vitro fertilisation, tissue culture propagation and cryopreservation of gametes.”