Explain how the concept of a flagship species can be used as a strategy to support the conservation of biodiversity.
Written & reviewed by James Millett — Biology (Imperial College London), PGCE Science (University of Cambridge).
Conservation organisations often select a single well-known species, such as the giant panda or mountain gorilla, to represent and promote the protection of an entire ecosystem.
Model answer (4 marks)
A flagship species is a charismatic or well‑known species chosen to raise public awareness and support for conservation efforts.
Protecting the habitat of the flagship species also protects the wider community of organisms sharing that ecosystem (umbrella effect).
The flagship species attracts funding and donations from the public and organisations, which can be directed towards broader conservation programmes.
However, focusing resources on one species may divert attention and funding from less appealing but equally or more threatened species.
Protecting the habitat of the flagship species also protects the wider community of organisms sharing that ecosystem (umbrella effect).
The flagship species attracts funding and donations from the public and organisations, which can be directed towards broader conservation programmes.
However, focusing resources on one species may divert attention and funding from less appealing but equally or more threatened species.
Examiner tips
- Use the exact wording from the mark scheme; each point counts as one mark.
- Show the link between flagship species and umbrella effect in one sentence.
- Mention both the positive (funding, awareness) and negative (resource diversion) aspects.
Mark scheme (4 marks)
- A flagship species is a charismatic or well-known species chosen to raise public awareness and support for conservation efforts.
- Protecting the habitat of the flagship species also protects the wider community of organisms sharing that ecosystem (umbrella effect).
- The flagship species attracts funding / donations from the public and organisations, which can be directed towards broader conservation programmes.
- There is a limitation in that focusing resources on one species may divert attention/funding from less appealing but equally or more threatened species.
Key terms in this question
flagship species · 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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