Discuss the role of ex situ conservation of endangered species.

a. named example (e.g. zoo/botanic garden/seed bank/aquarium/laboratory) / definition of ex situ;

Do not accept open parks e.g. Safari.

advantages: [3 max]

b. prevent extinction / help in conservation of species;

c. possible breeding;

d. reintroduction into the wild;

e. correct nutrition constantly;

f. veterinary care;

g. educational use / research use;

h. prevent poaching/picking rare flowers/damage to habitat by man;

disadvantages: [2 max]

i. difficulty in the reintroduction of the species to the wild;

j. increases inbreeding / restricted gene pool;

k. selection of organisms to be kept ex situ;

l. not their natural habitat / reduces evolution;

m. does not solve the cause/problem e.g. habitat loss;

A good number of candidates gave fairly complete answers. Many candidates did not discuss any disadvantages of ex situ conservation.