Threatened animals and plants are taken out from their natural habitat and placed in special settings, protected and given special care is:

Ex situ conservation

The correct answer is Option (2) - Ex situ conservation

Ex situ conservation is an approach aimed at safeguarding endangered animals and plants by relocating them from their natural habitats to controlled environments where they can receive special care and protection. This strategy is implemented through various means, including zoological parks, botanical gardens, and wildlife safari parks. Notably, some animals that have become extinct in their natural habitats are still maintained in zoological parks.

In recent times, ex situ conservation has evolved beyond merely keeping threatened species in enclosures. Advanced techniques have been developed to ensure the long-term preservation of species. These techniques include:

1. Cryopreservation: This method allows for the preservation of gametes (sperm and eggs) from threatened species in a viable and fertile condition for extended periods. Cryopreservation involves freezing these reproductive cells at ultra-low temperatures.
2. In Vitro Fertilization: Eggs from endangered species can be fertilized outside the organism's body in a laboratory setting. This technique enables controlled breeding and genetic management of species, even when they are not physically together in the wild.
3. Tissue Culture: Tissue culture methods are used to propagate plants, especially those that are endangered. Small plant tissue samples are cultured in a controlled environment to generate new plants. This helps in the conservation of rare and valuable plant species.
4. Seed Banks: Genetic strains of economically important plants can be stored for prolonged periods in seed banks. These banks are designed to preserve a wide variety of plant species and their genetic diversity, ensuring their availability for future generations.

Ex-situ conservation plays a vital role in preserving biodiversity and preventing the extinction of endangered species, providing a safety net for species facing threats in their natural habitats.