Question

Ex-situ conservation includes:

• A. Biosphere reserves
• B. National parks
• C. Wildlife sanctuaries
• D. Seed banks

Hint:

Ex-situ conservation refers to the conservation of species outside their natural habitats. This is done to protect the species from threats such as habitat destruction, climate change, or human activities. Seed banks are a prime example of ex-situ conservation, where seeds of plants are stored to preserve genetic diversity and protect species from extinction.

• Biosphere reserves, National parks, and Wildlife sanctuaries are examples of in-situ conservation, where species are conserved in their natural habitats.
• Seed banks, on the other hand, involve the collection and preservation of seeds outside the species' natural habitat.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Ex-situ conservation refers to the preservation of components of biological diversity outside their natural habitats. This approach is used to protect endangered species by removing part of the population from a threatened habitat and placing it in a new location, which can ensure better propagation and survival rates under controlled conditions. The options provided are as follows: 

• Biosphere reserves: These are designated areas that promote the conservation of biodiversity, including plants, animals, and micro-organisms, in their natural environment. Therefore, this falls under in-situ conservation methods.
• National parks: These are protected areas aimed to conserve habitats and wildlife in their natural surroundings. As such, they represent an in-situ conservation strategy.
• Wildlife sanctuaries: These are areas designated for the protection of wild animal species in their natural habitat, making them a form of in-situ conservation.
• Seed banks: Seed banks involve the preservation of plant seeds to safeguard genetic diversity outside their natural environment, thereby categorizing them as an ex-situ conservation method. Seed banks play a crucial role in preventing plant extinction by storing seeds in controlled conditions where they can remain viable for extended periods.

From these options, Seed banks specifically represent ex-situ conservation because they store and maintain biological material outside its natural habitat.