Question

Differentiate between the following:

In situ and Ex situ conservation

Answer 1

Basis of Difference	In situ Conservation	Ex situ Conservation
Meaning	In situ conservation protects biodiversity at its natural site.	Ex situ conservation protects threatened organisms outside their natural habitats.
Approach	It emphasises the protection of whole ecosystems and their biodiversity.	It involves moving threatened organisms or their genetic material to specially managed settings.
Examples	National parks, wildlife sanctuaries, biosphere reserves and sacred groves are examples of in situ conservation.	Botanical gardens, zoological gardens, gene banks and cryopreservation are examples of ex situ conservation.
Conditions for use	It is used to conserve species within their natural habitats and protect their ecological relationships.	It is used when threatened species need urgent protection and special care away from their natural habitats.
Main benefit	It conserves species along with their habitats and natural interactions.	It can support captive breeding, preserve genetic material and help restore or reintroduce species.