# Explain how the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) contributes to the conservation of biodiversity.

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

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. CITES regulates/restricts international trade in endangered or threatened species (or their parts/derivatives)
2. 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)
3. By reducing poaching/over-harvesting driven by commercial demand, wild population sizes are maintained or allowed to recover
4. CITES helps preserve genetic diversity / prevents loss of species, thereby maintaining ecosystem function and overall biodiversity

## Key terms

- [CITES](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/cites)
- [biodiversity](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/biodiversity)

## Related

- [Revision notes for IB DP Biology Higher 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-the-convention-on-international-8ffeac84) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.