Which one of the following is an example of ex situ conservation of biological resources?
Seed Bank
Ex situ Conservation Explained
Ex situ conservation refers to the conservation of components of biological diversity outside their natural habitats. This approach involves preserving genetic material or individual species away from their original environments. It's a crucial strategy when natural habitats are threatened or when species are critically endangered and require specialized care or breeding programs. Common examples include botanical gardens, zoos, aquariums, gene banks, and seed banks.
In situ Conservation Explained
Conversely, in situ conservation focuses on protecting species within their natural ecosystems and habitats. This method preserves the species alongside other components of the ecosystem, allowing natural evolutionary processes to continue. It involves establishing protected areas like national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and biosphere reserves, where the species and its environment are safeguarded.
Conservation Options Analysis
Let's analyze the given options to understand which one fits the definition of ex situ conservation:
| Option | Type of Conservation | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Wildlife Sanctuary | In situ | A protected area where animals are safeguarded within their natural habitat, preserving the ecosystem they live in. |
| Biosphere Reserve | In situ | A large protected area designated to conserve biodiversity, ecosystems, and landscapes, often involving local communities and sustainable development practices. |
| Sacred Groves | In situ | Small patches of forest or natural habitat typically protected by local communities due to cultural or religious beliefs, preserving the local flora and fauna. |
| Seed Bank | Ex situ | A facility where seeds of different plant varieties are stored under controlled conditions (like low temperature and humidity) to preserve genetic diversity for future use, research, or restoration efforts. This occurs outside the plant's natural growing environment. |
Identifying the Correct Ex situ Example
Based on the analysis, a Seed Bank clearly exemplifies ex situ conservation. It involves storing biological resources (seeds) in a controlled environment separate from where they naturally occur. This contrasts with Wildlife Sanctuaries, Biosphere Reserves, and Sacred Groves, which are all methods of protecting species within their natural ecosystems (in situ). Therefore, the Seed Bank is the correct example of ex situ conservation among the choices provided.
Important Questions from Ecology and Ecosystem
All eco-systems begin with energy input from-
What is the transition zone between two ecosystems known as?
Given below are two statements one is labelled as Assertion (A) and the other is labelled as Reason (R):
Assertion (A): It is crucial to sustain Himalayan ecosystem
Reason (R): Himalayan ecosystem is home to a number of indigenous tribes.
In the light of the above two statements choose the correct answer from the options given below
Among all recorded species in the world, India accounts for about
Which of the following statements about biodiversity are correct?
A. Biodiversity can support ecosystem stability.
B. Human activities have sharply increased species extinctions.
C. Habitat fragmentation has no adverse impact on biodiversity.
D. About 70% of all known species are invertebrates.
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
