Question

There are many animals that have become extinct in the wild but continue to be maintained in zoological parks.
a. What type of biodiversity conservation is observed in this case?
b. Explain any other two ways which help in this type of conservation.

Answer 1

Hint: The term biodiversity was coined by Walter G. Rosen. Biodiversity is simply a variety of life forms on earth and interdependence of living organisms. There are three types of biodiversity, diversity of species, diversity of genes, and diversity of ecosystem. As human beings interfere with nature, biodiversity starts to stagger and thus it needs to be conserved.

Complete answer:
Biodiversity is a variety of life forms on earth and interdependence of living organisms. There are three types of biodiversity, diversity of species, diversity of genes, and diversity of ecosystems. The biodiversity is at threat due to anthropological causes, and natural causes. Thus, biodiversity needs to be conserved. It is done in two different ways, ex-situ and in-situ.
According to the question, the type of biodiversity in the given case is of ex-situ conservation. Ex-situ conservation means off site conservation. It is the process of protecting endangered species of plants or animals outside of its natural habitat. Ex-situ serves the purpose of rescuing threatened species of plants or animals. It produces material for reinforcement, habitat restoration and management.
The other two ways which help in ex-situ conservation are cryopreservation and tissue culture.
Cryopreservation: it is a method of preservation in liquid nitrogen. It aims to bring plant cells or tissues to a zero metabolism and non-dividing state by reducing the temperature in the presence of cryoprotectant. Mechanism of cryopreservation:
- Selection of material
- Addition of cryoprotectant
- Freezing
- Storage in liquid nitrogen
- Thawing
- Washing and recruiting
- Measurement of viability
- Regeneration of plants
This technique is used for the conservation of endangered species, recalcitrant seeds, pollens, germplasm and for other genetic manipulation.
Tissue culture: it is a technique of growing plant cells, tissues, organs, seeds, and other parts in sterile conditions on a nutrient medium. Tissue culture depends on totipotency and plasticity. It is generally initiated from the explants, a multicellular tissue fragment. The culture media used in this technique is composed of inorganic salts, organic nutrients, vitamins, and plant hormones.

Note: There are few drawbacks to ex-situ conservation, such as, this is not enough to save species from extinction. The species’ natural evolution and adaptation processes are altered by introducing the specimen in a new, unnatural habitat. These techniques are costly. Species in new habitats may come in contact with pests and diseases.