What is the term for conservation efforts that focus on protecting species outside their natural habitats, often in specialised facilities?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → Ex situ conservation
Biodiversity is conserved in two ways. In in situ (on site) conservation the whole ecosystem is protected where it is, as in biosphere reserves, national parks, sanctuaries and sacred groves. In ex situ (off site) conservation, threatened plants and animals are taken out of their natural habitat and kept in special settings where they get special care.
Option (1) In situ conservation — Incorrect. In situ conservation protects species inside their natural habitat, by saving the whole ecosystem, for example the entire forest to save the tiger.
Option (2) Ex situ conservation — Correct. Ex situ conservation keeps species outside their natural habitat: zoological parks, botanical gardens, wildlife safari parks, seed banks and cryopreservation of gametes.
Option (3) Species conservation — Incorrect. “Species conservation” is not one of the two approaches named in the book. Species can be saved both in situ and ex situ.
Option (4) Genetic conservation — Incorrect. “Genetic conservation” is also not a named approach in the book. Seed banks that hold genetic strains of crops are one form of ex situ conservation.
NCERT Extract:
How do we Conserve Biodiversity? – “… 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. Zoological parks, botanical gardens and wildlife safari parks serve this purpose. There are many animals that have become extinct in the wild but continue to be maintained in zoological parks.”