Question

In the following in each set a conservation approach and an example of method of conservation are given

(a) In situ conservation - Biosphere Reserve
(b) Ex situ conservation - Sacred groves
(c) In situ conservation - Seed bank
(d) Ex situ conservation - Cryopreservation

Select the option with the correct match of approach and method:

• A. (a) and (c)
• B. (a) and (d)
• C. (b) and (d)
• D. (a) and (b)

Answer 1

The correct option is B (a) and (d)

Conservation of biodiversity can be done using two distinct strategies - in situ and ex situ.

In situ conservation of biodiversity is a strategy that is based on the belief that if an organism needs to be conserved, it should be conserved with its entire ecosystem. Thus, in situ conservation of biodiversity is done in protected areas such as wildlife sanctuaries, national parks, biosphere reserves and sacred groves.

The sacred groves are protected and conserved by local communities due to their association with esteemed places of worship.

Biosphere reserves are protected areas of habitat of which human beings are an integral part. These are forest areas which are involved with protection and in situ conservation of wildlife in their natural habitat. Biosphere reserves allow human activities under a regulated framework. There are 14 biosphere reserves in India.

The approach of conserving threatened and endangered species of plants and animals by taking them out of their natural habitat and protecting and caring for them in a special and controlled environment is known as ex situ conservation.

Seed banks are one of the strategies for ex-situ conservation of seeds that can be stored for a long period of time. The seeds are dried and stored under controlled conditions of strictly regulated levels of temperature, light and moisture. These banks generally store seeds of threatened/endangered plant species or genetically diverse strains of commercially important crop plants.

Cryopreservation is the process of preserving living cells, tissues, organs or any biological construct indefinitely in liquid nitrogen at a very low temperature of -196°C to protect them from any damage caused due to aging or microbial decay.