# Explain how ex situ conservation methods contribute to the preservation of biodiversity, including the limitations of such approaches.

> IB DP Biology Standard Level (2023 syllabus) — A4.2 Conservation of biodiversity · Explain · 4 marks

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Ex situ conservation involves maintaining organisms outside their natural habitat, for example in zoos, botanical gardens, or seed banks.
2. Ex situ methods protect species from immediate threats such as habitat destruction, poaching, or invasive species, allowing populations to be maintained or increased.
3. Captive breeding programmes can maintain genetic diversity and may enable reintroduction of individuals into restored or protected wild habitats.
4. 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

- [ex situ conservation](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/ex-situ-conservation)
- [biodiversity](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/biodiversity)

## Related

- [Revision notes for IB DP Biology Standard Level (2023 syllabus)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

---
Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/explain-how-ex-situ-conservation-methods-5ee4065d) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.