In situ and Ex situ conservation of Biodiversity: Different Methods And Strategies
In situ and ex situ conservation are two complementary strategies used to conserve biodiversity and prevent species extinction. In situ conservation protects organisms within their natural habitats, while ex situ conservation safeguards species outside their natural environments under controlled conditions. Both methods are essential components of biodiversity conservation and form an important part of Ecology in NEET and Class 12 Biology.
This Story also Contains
- What Is Biodiversity Conservation?
- In Situ Conservation
- Ex Situ Conservation
- Difference Between In Situ and Ex Situ Conservation
- In Situ & Ex Situ Conservation NEET MCQs (With Answers & Explanations)
- Recommended Video on In-Situ and Ex-Situ Conservation
What Is Biodiversity Conservation?
Biodiversity conservation refers to protection and management of biological diversity. Two primary strategies are used: in situ and ex-situ. Both in-situ and ex-situ strategies for biodiversity conservation are necessary to ensure the sustainable existence of species and ecosystems in the future. These two strategies complement each other in turn, they are integral for successful in-situ and ex-situ biodiversity conservation.
In Situ Conservation
In situ, biodiversity conservation preserves species within their natural ecosystems. This ensures the survival of species as well as their natural interaction with their abiotic environment. This approach ensures the preservation of genetic variation, maintenance of natural biological processes, and support of essential ecosystem functions that benefit species and human welfare.
Natural Habitats Used for In Situ Conservation
Forests: Natural forests are retained to ensure the survival of species considered endangered and maintain the ecological functions of the complex biomes.
National Parks: Defined geographic areas that are specifically reserved for preserving different flora, fauna, and their habitats, yet permit restricted and controlled human utilization of resources.
Wildlife Sanctuaries: These areas are established through law for the conservation and reproduction of animal species, and to limit human consumptive activities in order not to interfere.
Biosphere Reserves: These are dedicated areas that integrate conservation with sustainable development. They focus on biodiversity protection while also supporting research, education, and human resource needs.
Advantages of In Situ Conservation
Preserves entire ecosystems
Maintains natural evolutionary processes
Protects large populations
Cost-effective in long term
Ex Situ Conservation
Ex-situ conservation means conserving species outside of their natural habitats. Techniques include the management techniques that help preserve gene variation and, thus, save threatened species which stand little chance of survival in their natural environments. This technique supplements in situ conservation strategies and plays a very important role in stabilizing species populations through the breeding and storage of genetic material.
Types of Ex Situ Conservation Methods
Zoos: Zoos are one of the common examples where various genetic material of species is stored, and reproduction is facilitated. They also offer platforms for research, education, and public awareness about biodiversity conservation in situ and ex-situ.
Botanical Gardens: These are centres of cultivation and maintenance of different species of plants, especially endangered species. They are a reference, teaching resource, and exhibit to promote awareness concerning ex-situ and in-situ biodiversity conservation.
Seed Banks: These store several species of plants' seeds in optimal conditions so that they do not experience any kind of natural disaster or environmental change. These seeds will then be available in case of restoration, proving ex-situ conservation of biodiversity in action.
Cryopreservation: This is a process where seeds, embryos, or tissues are stored at very low temperatures to preserve genetic integrity. Cryopreservation is an essential tool in ex-situ conservation since it assists with recovery and fills the gaps in genetic diversity.
Advantages of Ex Situ Conservation
Saves critically endangered species
Allows controlled breeding
Preserves genetic material
Useful when habitats are destroyed
Difference Between In Situ and Ex Situ Conservation
The difference between in situ and ex situ conservation is discussed in the table below:
| Features | In Situ Conservation | Ex Situ Conservation |
|---|---|---|
Location | Natural habitat | Outside natural habitat |
Ecosystem | Entire ecosystem conserved | Only selected species conserved |
Genetic diversity | Maintained naturally | Maintained artificially |
Examples | National parks, sanctuaries | Zoos, seed banks |
Cost | Lower in long ter, | High maintenance cost |
In Situ & Ex Situ Conservation NEET MCQs (With Answers & Explanations)
Important questions asked in NEET from this topic are:
Levels of biodiversity
Causes of biodiversity loss
Practice Questions for NEET
Q1. How many hot spots of biodiversity in the world have been identified till date by Norman Myers?
17
25
34
43
Correct answer: 3) 34
Explanation:
The concept of biodiversity hotspots was developed by Norman Myers in 1988 when he identified that the tropical forest losing its plant species as well as habitat. IUCN prepares the 'Red Data Book'. 34 areas around the world are qualified as Biodiversity hotspots ( biogeographic regions with significant levels of biodiversity that are threatened by human habitation).
Hence, the correct answer is option 3) 34
Q2. Tiger is not a resident in which one of the following national park?
Sunderbans
Gir
Jim Corbett
Ranthambore
Correct answer: 2) Gir
Explanation:
Gir National Park is the only natural habitat found in the state of Gujarat, India, for the Asiatic lion. These lions have been protected since 1965 when the sanctuary was established. The national park stretches to about 1,412 square kilometres which makes it very diverse in its ecosystem.
In contrast, the endangered tiger is safeguarded in various national parks within India, including Ranthambhore, Jim Corbett, Sundarbans, etc. The above places are exclusively for conserving tiger populations and their habitats, so it indicates that the species in question has received differential conservation efforts.
Hence, the correct answer is Option (2) Gir.
Q3. Which of the following National parks has the highest density of tigers among protected areas in the world?
Jim Corbett National Park
Kaziranga National Park
Keoladeo Ghana National Park
Manas National Park
Correct answer: 2) Kaziranga National Park
Explanation:
Kaziranga National Park, Assam, India, is one of the most densely populated national parks, with tigers averaging about 13 per 100 square kilometers. Thus, it is one of the world's important tiger habitats. Spanning over 430 square kilometers, the park has been recognized as a Tiger Reserve since 2006. It is an important sanctuary for the conservation of the beautiful species.
Hence, the correct answer is option 2) Kaziranga National Park.
Also Read:
Recommended Video on In-Situ and Ex-Situ Conservation
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
National parks contribute to biodiversity conservation by:
Protecting varied species and ecosystems along with the populations as a whole from various factors such as destruction of habitats, and poaching.
Conserving a variety of habitats and ecological functions harms the stability of species diversity.
Helping scientists, supporting scientific research, presenting, and spreading information about the species and their saving.
Preservation of tourism in a manner that supports and develops the conservation of natural heritage, raising the awareness and conscience of people.
San Diego Zoo (USA): The organisation has boasted great achievements in such conservations as the breeding of rare animals such as the California condor and the giant panda, conservation.
Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (UK): Originally a collection of rare and threatened plant species, protects endangered plant species and conducts scientific research on plant diversity on the Earth.
Svalbard Global Seed Vault (Norway): Preserved seeds from across the globe to maintain plant genetic and agricultural food production varieties against climatic shifts.
Conservationists face challenges such as:
Conversion of natural habitats to agricultural land, urban development, infrastructure and other human activities.
Climate change influences shifts in species range and timing of important events in the ecosystems.
Actions such as hunting, uncontrolled hunting and taking of wild animals and plants to the lens of the law.
Species which invade an ecosystem and monopolize the resources that are crucial for the survival of other species.
Generally, there is a lack of funding and conservation capacity in most developing countries.
Conflict management of protection of the natural resources, and social and economic development requirements in equal measures.
Biodiversity is crucial for ecosystems as it:
Contributes to the maintenance of ecosystems and their capacity to withstand changes in the surrounding environment.
These services include food production, pollination, nutrient cycling, and regulating of climate.
Promotes efficiency and the rate of biomass incorporation in wildlife as well as the human population.
Improve genetic variability within species, which in turn provides the subject species with a convenient way of adapting to stress factors.
In Situ Conservation: Ends with protecting species in their habitats, the ultimate target being the preservation of an ecosystem, support of the given ecological processes, as well as the ability of a specific species to change according to the given environment.
Ex Situ Conservation: Includes recreating ecosystems in cages, tanks, greenhouses, or vats where animals like endangered species are grown before being replaced in the wild, preserving seeds, animal genes, breeds etc.
