Conservation
Cambridge A-Level Biology (9700) · Unit 18: Classification, biodiversity and conservation · 8 flashcards
Conservation is topic 18.3 in the Cambridge A-Level Biology (9700) syllabus , positioned in Unit 18 — Classification, biodiversity and conservation , alongside Classification and Biodiversity. In one line: Seed banks preserve genetic diversity by storing seeds of various plant species, particularly endangered ones, under controlled conditions. This provides a backup in case of extinction in the wild or allows for future reintroduction efforts.
Marked as A2 Level: examined at A Level in Paper 4 (A Level Structured Questions) and Paper 5 (Planning, Analysis and Evaluation). It is not tested on the AS-only papers (Papers 1, 2 and 3).
The deck below contains 8 flashcards — 3 definitions and 5 key concepts — covering the precise wording mark schemes reward. Use the 3 definition cards to lock down command-word answers (define, state), then move on to the concept and calculation cards to handle explain, describe, calculate and compare questions.
Describe the role of seed banks in conservation
Seed banks preserve genetic diversity by storing seeds of various plant species, particularly endangered ones, under controlled conditions. This provides a backup in case of extinction in the wild or allows for future reintroduction efforts.
What the Cambridge 9700 syllabus says
2025-2027 syllabus, in our words · A2 LevelWhat the syllabus expects you to be able to do in this topic, in plain English. For the exact wording, see the official syllabus (PDF).
- Explain how competition, climate change, hunting by humans, and habitat degradation and loss can cause populations and species to become extinct.
- Outline why biodiversity needs to be maintained.
- Outline how zoos, botanic gardens, seed banks, 'frozen zoos' and conserved areas (such as national and marine parks) help conserve endangered species.
- Describe assisted reproduction methods used to conserve endangered mammals, limited to surrogacy, IVF and embryo transfer.
- Explain why invasive alien species need to be controlled.
- Outline how the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) and CITES (the international convention controlling trade in endangered wild animals and plants) each help conservation.
Cambridge syllabus keywords to use in your answers
These are the official Cambridge 9700 terms tagged to this section. Mark schemes credit responses that use the exact term — weave them into your answers verbatim rather than paraphrasing.
Tips to avoid common mistakes in Conservation
- › The 'IUCN' assesses and categorises species on the 'Red List of Threatened Species'; 'CITES' is the body that regulates international trade.
Explain how climate change can lead to species extinction.
Climate change alters temperature and rainfall faster than many species can adapt or migrate, causing habitat loss and mismatches in timing between species.
Outline four reasons why maintaining biodiversity is important.
Biodiversity provides ecosystem services (
Describe the role of seed banks in conservation.
Seed banks preserve genetic diversity by storing seeds of various plant species, particularly endangered ones, under controlled conditions. This provides a backup in case of extinction in the wild or allows for future reintroduction efforts.
Outline two methods of assisted reproduction used to conserve endangered mammals.
IVF involves fertilizing eggs in vitro and implanting embryos into surrogate mothers. Embryo transfer involves implanting embryos from a high-genetic-value female into a more common surrogate, increasing the reproduction rate of the endangered species.
Explain why it's important to control invasive alien species.
Invasive species can outcompete native species for resources, disrupt food webs, and transmit diseases, leading to population declines and extinctions. Controlling them helps maintain ecosystem integrity and biodiversity.
What is the role of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) in conservation?
The IUCN assesses the conservation status of species worldwide (Red List), provides scientific information, and advocates for conservation policies. They support international cooperation and promote sustainable resource management.
How can competition between species lead to extinction?
If two species occupy the same niche, the more efficient competitor will outcompete the other, potentially driving it to extinction.
Explain the role of CITES in species conservation.
CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species) regulates international trade in endangered plants and animals to prevent overexploitation. It ensures that trade does not threaten the survival of species in the wild through permits and restrictions.
Review the material
Read full revision notes on Conservation — definitions, equations, common mistakes, and exam tips.
Read NotesMore topics in Unit 18 — Classification, biodiversity and conservation
Conservation sits alongside these A-Level Biology decks in the same syllabus unit. Each uses the same spaced-repetition system, so progress in one informs the next.
Key terms covered in this Conservation deck
Every term below is defined in the flashcards above. Use the list as a quick recall test before your exam — if you can't define one of these in your own words, flip back to that card.
How to study this Conservation deck
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Study Mode
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