Final answer:
A preserve is an area designated for the protection of an ecosystem and its organisms. As of 2003, about 11.5 percent of the Earth's land surface was in preserves, although they only cover 9 major biomes out of 14.
Step-by-step explanation:
An area of land or water set aside for the protection of an ecosystem is known as a preserve. Such wildlife and ecosystem preserves play a crucial role in conservation efforts by offering varying degrees of protection for the organisms that inhabit these areas. The IUCN World Parks Congress estimated that as of 2003, about 11.5 percent of Earth's land surface was covered by preserves. However, these areas only represent 9 out of the 14 recognized major biomes and several species still live outside these protected zones.