Question

Biodiversity conservation is crucial for maintaining ecological balance and ensuring the survival of future generations.

Describe four advanced ex-situ methods used for conservation of biodiversity.

Hint:

Name and describe cryopreservation, in vitro fertilisation, tissue culture and seed or gene banks, half a mark each.

Answer 1

Step 1: Meaning of ex-situ:
Ex-situ conservation means protecting threatened species outside their natural habitat, in a controlled place. Zoos and botanical gardens are the older methods.
Advanced methods use modern technology.

Step 2: Methods 1 and 2:
1. Cryopreservation: gametes, embryos or tissues of threatened species are stored in liquid nitrogen at \( -196^{\circ}\mathrm{C} \). They can be used later.
2. In vitro fertilisation and embryo transfer: gametes are fused in the lab and the embryo is placed in a surrogate mother.

Step 3: Methods 3 and 4:
3. Tissue culture: plants are grown from small parts in sterile nutrient medium, which saves rare or endangered plants.
4. Seed banks and gene banks: seeds and genetic material are stored in cold, dry conditions for long periods.

Final Answer:
Four advanced ex-situ methods: cryopreservation, in vitro fertilisation, tissue culture, and seed or gene banks.