Conservation

Need to know

What you need to know

• Biodiversity is vital for ecological stability, economic resources, ethical reasons, and human well-being.
• The primary threats to biodiversity are habitat destruction, overexploitation, pollution, climate change, and invasive species.
• **In situ conservation** protects species within their natural habitat (e.g., national parks, nature reserves) and is the preferred method for preserving entire ecosystems.
• **Ex situ conservation** protects species outside their natural habitat (e.g., zoos, seed banks, gene banks) and serves as a crucial backup for critically endangered species.
• Captive breeding, often part of ex situ conservation, aims for the eventual reintroduction of species into the wild.
• Sustainable development aims to balance human needs with long-term environmental protection.
• International agreements like CITES and the Ramsar Convention are essential for coordinating global conservation efforts.

Explanation

Conservation

1. Biodiversity is vital for ecological stability, economic resources, ethical reasons, and human well-being.
2. The primary threats to biodiversity are habitat destruction, overexploitation, pollution, climate change, and invasive species.
3. **In situ conservation** protects species within their natural habitat (e.g., national parks, nature reserves) and is the preferred method for preserving entire ecosystems.
4. **Ex situ conservation** protects species outside their natural habitat (e.g., zoos, seed banks, gene banks) and serves as a crucial backup for critically endangered species.