Explain how the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) contributes to the conservation of biodiversity.
Written & reviewed by James Millett — Biology (Imperial College London), PGCE Science (University of Cambridge).
Model answer (4 marks)
CITES regulates and restricts international trade in endangered or threatened species and their parts or derivatives, thereby reducing poaching and over‑harvesting driven by commercial demand.
Species are listed in Appendices I, II or III according to their level of threat. Appendix I species receive the strictest protection, with commercial trade banned.
By limiting trade, CITES helps maintain or recover wild population sizes, which preserves genetic diversity and prevents loss of species.
The preservation of species and their genetic diversity maintains ecosystem function and overall biodiversity.
Species are listed in Appendices I, II or III according to their level of threat. Appendix I species receive the strictest protection, with commercial trade banned.
By limiting trade, CITES helps maintain or recover wild population sizes, which preserves genetic diversity and prevents loss of species.
The preservation of species and their genetic diversity maintains ecosystem function and overall biodiversity.
Examiner tips
- Mention trade regulation and Appendices I‑III; link trade restriction to population recovery; note genetic diversity and ecosystem function
Common mistakes
- Failing to specify Appendices I‑III; confusing CITES with other conventions; omitting the link between trade reduction and population recovery
Mark scheme (4 marks)
- CITES regulates/restricts international trade in endangered or threatened species (or their parts/derivatives)
- Species are assigned to Appendices (I, II, or III) according to their degree of threat, with Appendix I species receiving the strictest protection (commercial trade banned)
- By reducing poaching/over-harvesting driven by commercial demand, wild population sizes are maintained or allowed to recover
- CITES helps preserve genetic diversity / prevents loss of species, thereby maintaining ecosystem function and overall biodiversity
Key terms in this question
Related
- All IB DP Biology Higher Level (2023 syllabus) revision notes →
- How to answer a "Explain" question →
- Decode the mark scheme abbreviations →
More Conservation of biodiversity questions
- Explain how the IUCN Red List criteria are used to assess the conservation statu…
- Explain why invasive alien species are considered one of the greatest threats to…
- Explain how habitat fragmentation reduces the long-term survival prospects of a …
- Explain how the establishment of wildlife corridors can increase the genetic div…
- Explain how ex situ conservation methods can complement in situ conservation in …
- Explain how debt-for-nature swaps can contribute to the conservation of biodiver…