Differentiate between in-situ conservation and ex-situ conservation.
Hint:
In-situ conservation : This refers to the preservation of all living species, particularly wild and endangered ones, within their natural habitats and environments.
Ex-situ conservation :This involves the protection of living species in artificial or man-made habitats that closely resemble their natural living conditions.
Complete Answer:
In-situ Conservation |
Ex-Situ Conservation |
This is a conservation method conducted on-site. | This is a conservation method conducted off-site. |
It involves the natural environments of organisms. | It involves artificial or man-made environments. |
It is suitable for species that are found in abundance.. | It is suitable for species that are not widely found. |
It is not ideal in cases of rapid population decline due to various factors. | It is the best option in cases of rapid population decline due to various factors. |
This approach can be applied to the conservation of wildlife and livestock. | This approach can be used to conserve crops and their wild relatives. |
It requires designation, management, and monitoring of the target species. | It involves the sampling, storage, and transfer of target species from their natural habitats to artificial environments |
It supports the naturally occurring processes of evolution and adaptation within the natural habitats of all species. | It separates organisms from their natural processes of evolution and adaptation. |
Example: National parks, wildlife sanctuaries, biosphere reserves. | Example – Zoos, Cryopreservation DNA banks, Aquariums, botanical gardens. |
Note:Biodiversity encompasses the assessment of variation across various levels, including genetic diversity, species diversity, and ecosystem diversity. In-situ conservation focuses on safeguarding endangered species within their natural habitats, helping to shield them from predators. On the other hand, ex-situ conservation involves protecting species in controlled environments, shielding them from a range of threats. Each conservation method plays a vital and distinct role in preserving biological diversity.