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Learn9700Paper 4 · A Level Structured QuestionsClassification, biodiversity and conservationConservation and human impact
Classification, biodiversity and conservation · Subtopic 2 of 2

Conservation and Human Impact

Biodiversity is worth conserving for ethical, economic (medicines, food, tourism), ecological (stable ecosystems) and aesthetic reasons. Threats: habitat loss, climate change, pollution, invasive species, overexploitation. In situ conservation protects species in their habitat (national parks, marine reserves, controlling invasive species, managing succession by grazing or coppicing). Ex situ: zoos (captive breeding, genetic diversity using studbooks), botanic gardens, seed banks (dried, frozen seeds), frozen zoos (sperm, eggs, embryos), assisted reproduction (IVF, embryo transfer). CITES controls international trade in endangered species; the Convention on Biological Diversity promotes sustainable use. Reintroduction needs suitable habitat and genetic variety.

Cambridge 9700 Paper 4Edexcel YBI11 WBI12AQA 7402 Paper 2≈ 40 minRevision 1 · updated 2026-11-02
Section 1 of 14

Learning objectives

  • Explain reasons for conserving biodiversity.
  • Describe threats.
  • Compare in situ and ex situ conservation.
  • Describe international agreements.
Pause and think

Why isn't keeping a few animals of an endangered species in a zoo enough to save it?

Section 2 of 14

Core idea

Start hereA seed vault in the Arctic

Deep inside a Norwegian mountain, over a million seed samples wait in case the world needs them.

The big idea

Conservation protects habitats in place where possible and keeps genetic diversity safe outside them when necessary.

Conservation methods

In situ and ex situ work together.

Worked examplePopulation decline

1200 falls to 300.

Goal
% decrease.
Strategy
Change ÷ original.
  1. 1200−300=9001200-300=900
    Change.
  2. 9001200×100=75%\frac{900}{1200}\times100=75\%
    Percentage.
Answer75%.
✓ CheckOnly a quarter remain ✓.

Summary

  • Reasons and threats.
  • In situ and ex situ.
  • CITES.
Key words
In situ
Conservation in the natural habitat.
Ex situ
Conservation away from the natural habitat.
HistoryThe Svalbard vault. The Svalbard Global Seed Vault, opened in 2008 inside an Arctic mountain, holds over a million seed samples as a backup for crops.
Fun factThe northern white rhino. Only two northern white rhinos survive, both female; scientists are using stored sperm, IVF and surrogate mothers to try to save the subspecies.
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