Describe how captive breeding programmes and seed banks are used to conserve endangered species.

Cambridge International IGCSE Biology (0610) — 20.4 Conservation · Describe · 4 marks · View as Markdown

Written & reviewed by James Millett — Biology (Imperial College London), PGCE Science (University of Cambridge).

Model answer (4 marks)

Captive breeding programmes involve breeding endangered animals in controlled enclosures or zoos, where conditions are managed to maximise survival and reproduction.

Animals produced in captivity can subsequently be released into the wild, helping to increase population numbers and genetic diversity.

Seed banks store viable seeds from endangered plant species under low‑temperature, low‑humidity conditions.

These stored seeds can be germinated later to grow the plants, thereby preserving biodiversity and providing material for future restoration projects.

Examiner tips

  • Use the word ‘involve’ for the first point, ‘can subsequently be released’ for the second, ‘store viable seeds’ for the third, and ‘can be germinated later’ for the fourth.
  • Show the sequence: breeding → release; storing → future use.
  • Use UK spelling (e.g., ‘programme’).

Common mistakes

  • Confusing captive breeding with natural breeding; forgetting to mention reintroduction.
  • Mixing up seed banks with seed storage in the field; not specifying future use of seeds.

Mark scheme (4 marks)

  1. Captive breeding programmes involve breeding endangered animals in enclosures / zoos
  2. Animals bred in captivity can later be reintroduced to their natural habitat in the wild
  3. Seed banks store viable seeds from endangered plant species
  4. Seeds stored in seed banks can be used to grow the plants in the future, preserving biodiversity

Key terms in this question

captive breeding programme · seed bank · endangered

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