Which of the following statements are correct for seed banks?
A. They are used for preservation of gametes
B. They are useful to store seed of different genetic strains for long periods
C. They are methods of in situ conservation for animals and plants
D. They are used for ex situ conservation of medicinal plants
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 4
The correct answer is Option (4) → B and D only
A seed bank is a store where seeds are kept alive for a long time. It is a method of ex situ conservation, which means protecting living things outside their natural home.
A. They are used for preservation of gametes — Incorrect. Gametes of threatened species are kept by cryopreservation at very low temperature. Seed banks store seeds, not gametes.
B. They are useful to store seed of different genetic strains for long periods — Correct. Seeds of different genetic strains of commercially important plants can be kept for long periods in seed banks.
C. They are methods of in situ conservation for animals and plants — Incorrect. In situ conservation protects species in their natural habitat, as in national parks and sanctuaries. A seed bank works outside the habitat, and it stores only plant material.
D. They are used for ex situ conservation of medicinal plants — Correct. Medicinal plants are among the useful plants whose seeds are stored this way.
NCERT Extract:
How Do We Conserve Biodiversity? – “… 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. Seeds of different genetic strains of commercially important plants can be kept for long periods in seed banks.”