Question

Which one of the following is related to Ex-situ conservation of threatened animals and plants?
A) Himalayan region
B) Wildlife safari parks
C) Biodiversity hotspots
D) Amazon rainforests

Answer 1

Ex-situ conservation means the conservation of species outside of their natural habitats. This includes the use of zoos, wildlife parks, aquariums, botanical gardens, and now the use of gene banks as well.

Complete answer:

The Himalayan region is a naturally occuring ecosystem which supports thousands of species of plants and animals, specifically adapted to mountainous, cold climates. The animals being monitored here like the Snow Leopard belong to the region, and have not been removed from their natural habitat. Option A is incorrect.
A wild life safari park is an area in which several species of animals are introduced and looked after by human management, away from the regions they belong in. These are supposed to help with breeding programs and increase awareness about the species in question. Option B is the correct answer.
Biodiversity hotspots are very simple regions which have high numbers of endemic plant species found nowhere else in the world, and support a huge number of animal species as well. These are irreplaceable, and many of these hotspots are severely threatened by human interference. Option C is incorrect.
The Amazon rainforest has the largest number of tropical plant species in the world. It is an area of great biodiversity, and the flora and fauna within are being threatened by destruction. Option D is incorrect.

Hence the correct answer is option ‘B’.

Note: The Himalayas are one of four biodiversity hotspots recognised in India. The other three are the Sundalands, the Indo-Burma region, and the Western Ghats. Not only that, the country as a whole is considered a mega biodiversity hotspot.