This document discusses the methods of maintaining biodiversity and also discusses the conservation agreements. This was a homework piece and was marked highly.
Summarises the key points
There are 2 types of methods scientists use to try and conserve biodiversity:
In – situ conservation, takes place within an organisms natural habitat
Ex – situ conservation, takes place out of an organisms natural habitat.
IN – SITU CONSERVATION EX – SITU CONSERVATION
Maintains genetic diversity and evolutionary Generally used in addition to in –situ measures, ensuring
adaptations. the survival of organisms.
By allowing endangered species to interact, it preserves Generally more expensive to conserve.
the interdependent relationships present in a habitat.
Generally cheaper to conserve and attempts to minimise Zoos (wildlife parks) play an important role in
the human impacts on the natural environments. conservation, as they concentrate on the captive,
endangered species
Active management may include controlled grazing. This Seed banks are an example of a gene bank. Seeds are
only allows livestock to graze a particular area of land. carefully stored so that new plants may be grown in the
This gives the plant species time to recover. future.
Another example: removal of invasive species (not Captive breeding programmes, produce offspring of a
native organisms), which may have economic, species in a human controlled environment. The aim is
environmental and health effects to create a stable, healthy population of a species
Reintroducing species to areas that have become locally Botanic gardens allow plant species to successfully grow.
extinct, or whose numbers have decreased significantly. The species are actively managed and are provided with
the best resources.
In – situ Ex – situ
Advantages Disadvantages Advantages Disadvantages
Plants and animals conserved Endangered habitats may be Organisms protected from The captive population is
in natural habitat fragmented. predation and poaching. likely to have limited genetic
diversity.
Permanently protects Population may have already The genetic diversity of the The animals can be exposed
biodiversity lost much of its genetic population can be measured. to a wide range of diseases.
diversity.
Allows management of areas Conditions causing the Selective breeding can be Animals are not living in their
to ensure ecological integrity habitats to become carried out to increase the natural habitats
is maintained. endangered may still be genetic diversity.
present.
Facilitates scientific research The area may attract eco Animals and plants can be The correct environmental
tourists, who may cause bred to increase the number conditions for survival may
disturbance. of an endangered species. be difficult to achieve.
Permanently protects Conservation sites can be u May be expensive to
significant elements of used for education maintain suitable
natural and cultural heritage environmental conditions.
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