Which of the following statements is/are correct about ex-situ conserv...
• Statement 2 is incorrect: Ex situ conservation literally means, “Off-site conservation”.
Ex-situ Conservation
• Ex situ conservation literally means, “Offsite conservation”. It is the process of protecting an endangered species, variety or breed, of plant or animal outside its natural habitat; for example, by removing part of the population from a threatened habitat and placing it in a new location, which may be a wild area or within the care of humans. Zoological parks, botanical gardens, wildlife safari parks and seed banks.
• In recent years ex situ conservation has advanced beyond keeping threatened species. Now gametes of threatened species can be preserved in viable and fertile condition for long periods using cryopreservation techniques, eggs can be fertilized in vitro, and plants can be propagated using tissue culture methods.
• Ex-situ techniques are implemented in welldefined situations:
1. To safeguard populations or individuals that are in danger of physical destruction when protection in situ is not possible;
2. To safeguard populations which are in danger of genetic deterioration;
3. To ensure a readily available, continuous supply of reproductive material, either creating a production source or through storage;
4. To allow commercial improvement of a species through breeding activities and supply of genetically improved reproductive material.
• Captive breeding of animals with possible reintroduction into the wild is an example of ex-situ conservation.
View all questions of this test
Which of the following statements is/are correct about ex-situ conserv...
Ex-situ conservation refers to the conservation of species outside their natural habitats. It involves the removal of a species from its natural habitat and placing it in a controlled and protected environment such as zoos, botanical gardens, or seed banks. Ex-situ conservation plays a crucial role in the preservation of endangered species and biodiversity.
Statement 1: Ex-situ conservation helps in commercial improvement of a species through breeding activities and supply of genetically improved reproductive material.
Ex-situ conservation programs often involve efforts to breed endangered species in captivity. By carefully managing the breeding process, conservationists can ensure the genetic diversity of the captive population and prevent inbreeding. This can help in the commercial improvement of a species by selecting individuals with desirable traits for further breeding. Additionally, ex-situ conservation programs can also involve the collection and storage of reproductive material such as seeds, embryos, or sperm for future use. This allows for the supply of genetically improved reproductive material, which can contribute to the commercial improvement of a species. Therefore, statement 1 is correct.
Statement 2: Ex-situ conservation ensures the ongoing process of evolution and adaptation within their habitats.
Ex-situ conservation focuses on preserving species outside their natural habitats and does not directly contribute to the ongoing process of evolution and adaptation within their habitats. While ex-situ conservation can help prevent the extinction of endangered species and preserve their genetic diversity, it does not allow for the natural selection and adaptation that occur in their natural environments. Therefore, statement 2 is incorrect.
Statement 3: Captive breeding of animals with possible reintroduction into the wild is an example of ex-situ conservation.
Captive breeding of animals with the intention of reintroducing them into the wild is one of the primary examples of ex-situ conservation. This conservation strategy involves breeding endangered species in captivity and then releasing them into their natural habitats to restore or enhance wild populations. By breeding animals in a controlled environment, conservationists can increase their numbers and address the factors that led to their decline in the wild. Once the population has recovered and suitable habitat is available, individuals can be reintroduced to their natural habitats. Therefore, statement 3 is correct.
In conclusion, the correct statements about ex-situ conservation are:
1. Ex-situ conservation helps in commercial improvement of a species through breeding activities and supply of genetically improved reproductive material.
3. Captive breeding of animals with possible reintroduction into the wild is an example of ex-situ conservation.
Therefore, the correct answer is option C.
To make sure you are not studying endlessly, EduRev has designed UPSC study material, with Structured Courses, Videos, & Test Series. Plus get personalized analysis, doubt solving and improvement plans to achieve a great score in UPSC.