Explain why conservation programmes are needed
Conservation programmes can maintain biodiversity, reduce extinction, protect vulnerable ecosystems and sustain ecosystem functions and resources.
Section 20.4 · Conservation
Exam scope and assessment notes
Extended only (Supplement) · Biology 0970, 2026–2028. Use the stated specimen features and evidence. Diagrams are schematic. Written practice is self-checked; human subject-teacher review, supervised practical competence and cumulative assessment remain pending. Cambridge states that IGCSE 0970 has the same subject content as IGCSE 0610, with 9–1 grading. This StudyForA pathway maps the 2026–2028 syllabus only. This 9–1 graded qualification is available only in a limited number of administrative zones. Confirm that your centre can enter you for this code and exam series with Cambridge International. Cambridge has published a separate syllabus for 2029. StudyForA has not reconciled that version yet; this page supports exams in 2026, 2027 and 2028 only.
Before you begin
- Know that organisms interact with other organisms and their environment.
Work on paper. Try each question before revealing help, and explain why your method works.
Quick readiness check
Which ecosystem functions are specifically named in this syllabus section?
What you will learn
- Describe four reasons for conservation programmes
- Connect ecosystem functions with nutrient cycling and resource provision
Protect species variety and vulnerable systems
Conservation can maintain or increase biodiversity, reduce extinction and protect vulnerable ecosystems. These goals support the survival of species and the ecological relationships among them.
An ecosystem is not only a list of organisms. Its interactions can maintain processes that organisms and people depend on. Damage to a vulnerable ecosystem can therefore affect both species and the functions they provide.
Maintain functions and useful resources
The syllabus limits ecosystem functions to nutrient cycling and resource provision, including food, drugs, fuel and genes. Nutrient cycling moves important materials through organisms and the environment. Ecosystems can also provide useful biological resources.
Explain the named benefit directly. For example, conservation may maintain habitats where organisms contribute to nutrient cycling and protect populations that provide food or genetic material. Do not claim that every conservation programme immediately increases every resource.
Pause and explain
Which is one resource listed as a reason for conservation?
Worked example
A conservation project protects a wetland with many species and supports nutrient cycling and local food resources. Name three syllabus-linked reasons for the programme.
Show the worked solution
- Identify biodiversity and ecosystem functions.
- Food is one of the named resources.
Answer The programme can maintain biodiversity, protect a vulnerable ecosystem and maintain ecosystem functions or resource provision, including food.
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Write your answer and reasoning first. Use a hint only if you are stuck. The model solution is for self-checking; your written work is not automatically marked.
List four syllabus-linked reasons for conservation programmes.
Give me a hint
Include biodiversity, extinction, vulnerable ecosystems and ecosystem functions.
Compare my reasoning
- Maintain or increase biodiversity and reduce extinction.
- Protect vulnerable ecosystems and maintain ecosystem functions/resources.
Conservation programmes can maintain or increase biodiversity, reduce extinction, protect vulnerable ecosystems and maintain ecosystem functions.
Look for these in your work
- Four reasons included
- Wording matches syllabus
Name the two ecosystem functions and four resource examples in this section.
Give me a hint
Use the syllabus-limited list.
Compare my reasoning
- Nutrient cycling and resource provision.
- Food, drugs, fuel and genes.
The functions are nutrient cycling and resource provision. Examples of resources are food, drugs, fuel and genes.
Look for these in your work
- Both functions named
- Four resources named
Explain why protecting a vulnerable ecosystem can also help maintain useful resources.
Give me a hint
Connect habitat protection to organisms and ecosystem function.
Compare my reasoning
- The ecosystem supports organisms and their interactions.
- Some resources are provided by organisms or the processes they support.
Protecting a vulnerable ecosystem can preserve the organisms and processes that support nutrient cycling and resources such as food, drugs, fuel and genes.
Look for these in your work
- Ecosystem link explained
- Resources identified
Common mistakes
- Giving reasons outside the syllabus while missing the listed ones
- Treating ecosystem functions as only human benefits
- Claiming conservation always increases resource yield immediately
What can you explain now?
Which ecosystem functions are specifically named in this syllabus section?
Compare with the explanation
Nutrient cycling and resource provision
These are the required functions.
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Make it stick
What four reasons for conservation are specified, and which ecosystem functions and resources should you name?
If you needed the solution, close it and solve the problem again from a blank page. A correct answer is stronger when you can explain the reason for each step.