Question

Differentiate between situ and ex situ approaches of conservation of biodiversity.

Answer 1

In situ means to study the phenomenon exactly the place where it occurs. Ex situ is done outside the natural habitat.

Complete Answer:

Sl.No	Situ	Ex situ
1.	In situ is one of the method of consideration of genetic resources is natural populations of plant or animal species	Ex situ is one of two methods to conservation of living organisms outside their natural habitat through their genetic conservation.
2.	In situ conservation of biodiversity includes biosphere reserves, national park etc.	Ex situ conservation includes zoological park, botanical garden, seed bank etc.
3.	In situ conservation protects the endangered species from predators.	The endangered species are protected from all adverse factors like bacteria, virus, fungi.
4.	It required larger areas and provided greater mobility to species because of large areas.	It required less area therefore mobility is less for species.
5.	In situ is less expensive and it is applicable on large areas.	It is more expensive than in situ conservation.

Note:(1) In situ the operation includes breeding programmes, ecosystem management at sacred groves etc.
(2) In ex situ, conservation of plants includes storage of seed, pollens etc. and conservation of animals include techniques like storing animal embryo, storing genetic material (DNA).