Question

(a) What are the two types of desirable approaches to conserve biodiversity? Explain with examples bringing out the difference between the two types.
(b) What is the association between the bumble bee and its favourite orchid Ophrys ? How would extinction or change of one affect the other?

Answer 1

(a) Two approaches to conserve biodiversity are:

(i) In situ conservation

(ii) Ex-situ conservation

In situ conservation is the preservation of components of biological diversity inside their natural habitats. This method is characterised by the construction of biosphere reserves, national parks and wildlife sanctuaries.

Ex-situ conservation is the preservation of components of biological diversity outside their natural habitats. In this method, the organism is taken out of its natural environment and placed in special settings and given special care. This involves setting up of zoological parks, botanical gardens etc. and employing modern techniques like cryopreservation of gametes, eggs and seeds.

(b) Commensalism is the type of association seen between the bumble bee and the orchid Ophrys. Extinction of bumble bee will definitely affect the orchid flower because these bees are the means of pollination for the flower and if they get extinct then the pollination percentage will be reduced.