Question: Which of the following is not a method of ex situ conservation?
A: Cryopreservation
B: In vitro fertilization
C: National parks
D: Micropropagation
Answer: National parks
| Aspect | Ex-situ Conservation | In-situ Conservation |
| Introduction | Conservation of biodiversity outside its natural habitat. | Conservation of biodiversity within its natural habitat. |
| Location | Special facilities like zoos, botanical gardens, seed banks, etc. | Protected areas, national parks, wildlife reserves, etc. |
| Purpose | To safeguard species at risk of extinction or extinct in the wild, or for research. | To protect ecosystems, habitats, and species in their natural environment. |
| Main Focus | Individual species or genetic diversity. | Ecosystems, habitats, and interactions within ecosystems. |
| Methods | Captive breeding, seed banks, tissue culture, cryopreservation, micropropagation, etc. | Habitat protection, legal frameworks, community involvement, etc. |
| Advantages | Provides a safety net for critically endangered species. | Allows species to evolve naturally and maintain ecosystem functions. |
| Challenges | Limited gene pool Potential loss of adaptation to wild conditions. | Difficulties in enforcement Habitat fragmentation Human-wildlife conflicts |
| Types
| · Seed Banks: Storage of seeds for future use. · Zoos and Captive Breeding: Keeping and breeding endangered species. · Botanical Gardens: Growing plants for conservation · Cryopreservation: Freezing cells, tissues, or seeds at very low temperatures. · Micropropagation: Growing plants from small plant parts in controlled environments. | · Protected Areas: Designated zones for species protection. · Wildlife Sanctuaries: Habitats for specific species. · National Parks: Preserving entire ecosystems. 4. Biosphere Reserves: Integrating conservation and sustainable development. · Community Reserves: Involving local communities in conservation. |