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Difficulty: HardBiodiversity Conservation Strategies: In-situ and Ex-situ

With reference to biodiversity conservation strategies in India, consider the following statements:

1. Sacred Groves and Community Reserves are examples of in-situ conservation strategies that preserve biological diversity within its natural habitat.
2. Cryopreservation of gametes and micropropagation techniques represent ex-situ conservation methods carried out under controlled artificial conditions.
3. In a UNESCO-designated Biosphere Reserve, limited human activities such as research, environmental education, and managed tourism are strictly permitted within the Core Zone, while the Buffer Zone remains completely undisturbed by any human intervention.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. 1 and 2 onlyAnswer
  2. B
    2 and 3 only
  3. C
    1 and 3 only
  4. D
    1, 2 and 3

Answer

Statements 1 and 2 are correct, while Statement 3 is incorrect.
In-situ conservation protects wild species within their native ecosystems (such as Sacred Groves, National Parks, and Community Reserves). Ex-situ conservation preserves genetic resources away from their natural environment (such as Cryopreservation, Seed Banks, and Botanical Gardens). In Biosphere Reserve architecture, human activities like educational training and managed tourism occur in the Buffer Zone, while the Core Zone is kept free from human interference.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Evaluate Statement 1 regarding Sacred Groves and Community Reserves.
Statement 1 is correct.
In-situ conservation refers to conserving species within their natural ecosystems and habitats. Sacred Groves (protected forest patches preserved by traditional communities) and Community Reserves legally protected under the Wildlife Protection Act (1972) are classic examples of in-situ conservation.
2
Evaluate Statement 2 regarding Cryopreservation and Micropropagation.
Statement 2 is correct.
Ex-situ conservation involves the preservation of biological diversity components outside their natural habitats. Cryopreservation (preserving cells/gametes at liquid nitrogen temperature of -196°C) and micropropagation (in vitro tissue culture) take place in off-site laboratory setups.
3
Evaluate Statement 3 regarding Biosphere Reserve zoning framework.
Statement 3 is incorrect.
According to UNESCO Man and the Biosphere (MAB) guidelines, a Biosphere Reserve comprises three zones: Core Zone (strictly protected, devoted to ecosystem preservation with minimal non-destructive scientific research permitted), Buffer Zone (surrounds the core, used for activities compatible with sound ecological practices such as research, education, and limited tourism), and Transition Zone (outermost area where local communities, management agencies, and scientists cooperate for sustainable resource management).

Key Concept

Distinction between In-situ and Ex-situ Conservation Strategies and Biosphere Reserve Zoning
Estimated Time:1m 30s
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Topics

Biodiversity Conservation Strategies: In-situ and Ex-situ