Explain how ex situ conservation methods contribute to the preservation of biodiversity, including the limitations of such approaches.
Written & reviewed by James Millett — Biology (Imperial College London), PGCE Science (University of Cambridge).
Model answer (4 marks)
Ex situ conservation involves maintaining organisms outside their natural habitat, for example in zoos, botanical gardens, or seed banks.
These methods protect species from immediate threats such as habitat destruction, poaching or invasive species, allowing populations to be maintained or increased.
Captive breeding programmes can maintain genetic diversity and may enable reintroduction of individuals into restored or protected wild habitats.
A key limitation is that ex situ conservation does not address the underlying causes of biodiversity loss, and captive animals may lose behaviours necessary for survival in the wild, reducing the success of reintroduction.
These methods protect species from immediate threats such as habitat destruction, poaching or invasive species, allowing populations to be maintained or increased.
Captive breeding programmes can maintain genetic diversity and may enable reintroduction of individuals into restored or protected wild habitats.
A key limitation is that ex situ conservation does not address the underlying causes of biodiversity loss, and captive animals may lose behaviours necessary for survival in the wild, reducing the success of reintroduction.
Examiner tips
- Use the exact wording from the mark scheme – e.g. "ex situ conservation involves maintaining organisms outside their natural habitat". Include both the benefits (protection, breeding, reintroduction) and the main limitation (does not solve root causes, loss of survival behaviours).
- Keep the answer concise – 4 marks, so one sentence per point is sufficient.
Common mistakes
- Confusing ex situ with in situ conservation; writing about habitat restoration instead of captive breeding. Failing to mention the loss of natural behaviours or the failure to tackle underlying causes.
Mark scheme (4 marks)
- Ex situ conservation involves maintaining organisms outside their natural habitat, for example in zoos, botanical gardens, or seed banks.
- Ex situ methods protect species from immediate threats such as habitat destruction, poaching, or invasive species, allowing populations to be maintained or increased.
- Captive breeding programmes can maintain genetic diversity and may enable reintroduction of individuals into restored or protected wild habitats.
- A key limitation is that ex situ conservation does not address the underlying causes of biodiversity loss, and captive animals may lose behaviours necessary for survival in the wild, reducing the success of reintroduction.
Key terms in this question
ex situ conservation · biodiversity
Related
- All IB DP Biology Standard Level (2023 syllabus) revision notes →
- How to answer a "Explain" question →
- Decode the mark scheme abbreviations →
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