Explain how the establishment of wildlife corridors can help to maintain biodiversity in fragmented landscapes.

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).

Model answer (4 marks)

Wildlife corridors link isolated habitat patches, allowing individuals to move between them.

This movement restores gene flow between previously separated populations, thereby maintaining genetic diversity.

By enabling immigration, corridors reduce the risk of local extinction as populations can be replenished from neighbouring patches.

They also allow species to shift their ranges or migrate seasonally, helping them respond to climate change and ensuring long‑term survival.

Examiner tips

  • Use the word ‘connect’ or ‘link’ to show understanding of corridors’ function. Mention gene flow and genetic diversity explicitly. Show that corridors reduce local extinction risk. Include the point about range shifts or migration for climate change.
  • common_mistakes
  • :
  • Failing to mention gene flow or genetic diversity. Confusing corridors with roads or other structures. Omitting the link to climate‑change driven range shifts.

Mark scheme (4 marks)

  1. Wildlife corridors connect isolated habitat patches / fragments, allowing movement of individuals between them
  2. Gene flow between previously isolated populations is restored / increased, maintaining genetic diversity
  3. Reduces the risk of local extinction / populations can be replenished by immigration from other patches
  4. Allows species to shift their ranges in response to climate change / seasonal migration, supporting long-term survival of species

Key terms in this question

wildlife corridor

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