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
Official 2025-2027 spec · A2 LevelThese are the exact learning outcomes Cambridge sets for this topic. The candidate is expected to be able to do each of these on the relevant paper.
- explain why populations and species can become extinct as a result of: • climate change • competition • hunting by humans • degradation and loss of habitats
- outline reasons for the need to maintain biodiversity
- outline the roles of zoos, botanic gardens, conserved areas (including national parks and marine parks), ‘frozen zoos’ and seed banks, in the conservation of endangered species
- describe methods of assisted reproduction used in the conservation of endangered mammals, limited to IVF, embryo transfer and surrogacy
- explain reasons for controlling invasive alien species
- outline the role in conservation of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES)
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
- › Keep all decimal places in your calculator for intermediate steps and only round the final answer to three significant figures.
- › The 'IUCN' assesses and categorises species on the 'Red List of Threatened Species'; 'CITES' is the body that regulates international trade.
- › Memorize the three Domains: Bacteria, Archaea, and Eukarya. All other groupings like 'Fungi' or 'Plantae' are Kingdoms.
Explain how climate change can lead to species extinction.
Climate change alters habitats faster than species can adapt or migrate, leading to habitat loss and mismatches in species interactions.
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.
More 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
Start in Study Mode, attempt each card before flipping, then rate Hard, Okay or Easy. Cards you rate Hard come back within a day; cards you rate Easy push out to weeks. Your progress is saved in your browser, so come back daily for 5–10 minute reviews until every card reads Mastered.
Study Mode
Rate each card Hard, Okay, or Easy after flipping.