UPSC Prelims 2011 Q72: Environment & Ecology – Biodiversity & Conservation
Which one of the following is not a site for in - situ method of conservation of flora?
- (a) Biosphere Reserve
- (b) Botanical Garden
- (c) National Park
- (d) Wildlife Sanctuary
Answer: (b) Botanical Garden
Explanation
Which is NOT an in-situ conservation site
In-situ conservation protects species within their natural habitat; ex-situ conservation moves them elsewhere.
| Option | Verdict | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| (a) Biosphere Reserve | Is in-situ | Protects species and ecosystems within their natural habitat |
| (b) Botanical Garden | NOT in-situ | A Botanical Garden is a classic ex-situ conservation site — plants are grown and maintained outside their natural habitat |
| (c) National Park | Is in-situ | Protects wildlife within its natural habitat, with legal protection |
| (d) Wildlife Sanctuary | Is in-situ | Also protects fauna/flora within their natural habitat, with some permitted human activity |
In-situ vs ex-situ conservation:
| Type | Examples |
|---|---|
| In-situ | Biosphere Reserves, National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries |
| Ex-situ | Botanical Gardens, Zoos, Seed Banks |
Answer: (b) Botanical Garden.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. A Biosphere Reserve protects species in their natural habitat, so it IS in-situ.
- (b) CORRECT. A Botanical Garden is an ex-situ conservation method — species are grown outside their natural habitat.
- (c) Incorrect. A National Park protects species in their natural habitat, so it IS in-situ.
- (d) Incorrect. A Wildlife Sanctuary also conserves species in their natural habitat, so it IS in-situ.
Key point
In-situ conservation = Biosphere Reserve, National Park, Wildlife Sanctuary (natural habitat). Botanical Gardens are EX-SITU conservation (outside natural habitat).
Remember
Botanical Garden = EX-SITU conservation; Biosphere Reserve, National Park, Wildlife Sanctuary = IN-SITU.
Common mistakes
- Treating all protected-area types as automatically in-situ without checking the specific site type.
- Not knowing Botanical Gardens are a textbook ex-situ example, alongside zoos and seed banks.
- Confusing the in-situ/ex-situ distinction's defining criterion: location relative to the natural habitat.
Exam tip
In-situ = protected in nature (Biosphere Reserve, National Park, Sanctuary). Ex-situ = moved out (Botanical Garden, Zoo, Seed Bank).
Sources
- NCERT Class XII Biology — Biodiversity and Conservation (in situ and ex situ conservation)
- Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 (national parks, sanctuaries and conservation reserves)