# Explain why the in situ conservation of an endangered plant species in its native habitat is generally considered more effective than ex situ conservation in a botanical garden.

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

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. In situ conservation maintains the natural ecological interactions (e.g. pollination, seed dispersal, mycorrhizal associations) that the species depends on for survival and reproduction.
2. In situ conservation allows natural selection to continue, maintaining the genetic diversity and adaptive potential of the population.
3. Ex situ conservation in a botanical garden typically holds only a small sample of individuals, increasing the risk of inbreeding and loss of genetic diversity through genetic drift.
4. In situ conservation protects the entire ecosystem / habitat, benefiting many other species simultaneously, whereas ex situ only preserves individual species in isolation.

## Key terms

- [in situ conservation](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/in-situ-conservation)
- [ex situ conservation](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/ex-situ-conservation)

## Related

- [Revision notes for IB DP Biology Standard 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)

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/explain-why-the-in-situ-conservation-6765558e) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.