Explain how the establishment of an international seed bank contributes to the conservation of biodiversity.

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

Written & reviewed by James Millett — Biology (Imperial College London), PGCE Science (University of Cambridge).

Seed banks, such as the Svalbard Global Seed Vault in Norway, store seeds from thousands of plant species at sub-zero temperatures as a long-term conservation strategy.

Model answer (4 marks)

Seed banks can preserve the genetic diversity of many plant species, protecting them from extinction or habitat loss.
They allow seeds to be stored at very low temperatures, which slows metabolic activity and keeps seeds viable for decades or even centuries.
Stored seeds can be used to reintroduce or restore species to habitats where they have become locally or globally extinct.
Thus, an international seed bank acts as insurance against catastrophic loss of species caused by climate change, disease, habitat destruction or other threats.

Examiner tips

Use the word ‘preserve’ or ‘protect’ for genetic diversity. Mention the low‑temperature storage and its effect on viability. Show that seeds can be used for reintroduction. Link the bank to insurance against catastrophic loss.
Keep the answer concise – 4 points, no extra words.

Common mistakes

Confusing seed banks with botanical gardens. Omitting the low‑temperature storage detail. Failing to mention the insurance role against catastrophic loss.

Mark scheme (4 marks)

Seeds can be stored from a large number of species, preserving genetic diversity that might otherwise be lost to extinction or habitat loss.
Seeds can be used to reintroduce or restore species to habitats where they have become locally or globally extinct.
Storage at very low temperatures slows metabolic activity, allowing seeds to remain viable for decades or centuries.
An international seed bank provides insurance against catastrophic loss of species caused by climate change, disease, habitat destruction, or other threats.

Key terms in this question

seed bank