Question

What role do tigers play in the ecosystem?

Read the following passage and answer the questions given below: The tiger, an apex predator, plays a vital role in maintaining the delicate balance of our ecosystem. With their majestic stripes and powerful physique, they roam in the forests, grasslands, valleys and swamps, keeping the populations of other animals in check. However, their numbers are dwindling at an alarming rate due to habitat loss, poaching, and human tiger conflict. The consequences of their extinction would be catastrophic, leading to an imbalance in the food chain and potentially even the collapse of entire ecosystems. Conservation efforts are underway to protect these magnificent creatures and their habitats. National parks and wildlife sanctuaries have been established, and anti poaching laws have been enacted. Education empowers environmental and animal awareness. Volunteering for tiger conservation projects offers a unique opportunity for the protection of endangered tiger populations. Donating to reputable conservation organisations is a simple yet significant action that can help safeguard the natural world. Additionally, organisations are working with local communities to promote co-existence with tigers. They teach people about tiger behaviour, habitat and conservation status. They also suggest using tiger proof fencing, establish rapid response teams and provide crop insurance. It is essential that we support these efforts and take action to ensure the survival of this incredible species. The future of our planet depends on it.

• A. Prey
• B. Predator
• C. Decomposer
• D. Producer

Answer 1

Answer:

B. Predator

Tigers are apex predators, meaning they are at the top of the food chain and play a critical role in their ecosystem. Here’s a more detailed breakdown of their role:

1. Population Control:

• As apex predators, tigers help regulate the populations of herbivores (like deer, wild boar, and other prey species). By hunting and controlling these populations, tigers prevent overgrazing, which can lead to the depletion of plant life and disrupt the entire ecosystem.

2. Maintaining Species Diversity:

• Tigers target the weak, sick, or injured members of prey species. This helps improve the overall health of the prey population, as it eliminates individuals that may otherwise be more prone to disease or genetic problems. This natural selection helps maintain a healthy and diverse population of prey species.

3. Supporting Biodiversity:

• By keeping herbivore populations in check, tigers indirectly help preserve plant biodiversity. Without predators like tigers, herbivore populations could explode, leading to overgrazing and the destruction of vegetation, which would negatively affect other species that depend on plants for food and shelter.

4. Affecting the Food Chain:

• The presence of tigers helps shape the behavior of other species. Prey animals become more cautious and avoid areas where tigers are active, which can influence the movement patterns of various species in the ecosystem. This can help maintain balance and ensure that resources are used more evenly.

5. Scavenger Role:

• While tigers are primarily hunters, they sometimes scavenge from carcasses of other animals. This helps clean up the ecosystem, as scavengers like tigers help recycle nutrients back into the environment.

So, tigers play a vital role in maintaining balance in the ecosystems they inhabit. Without them, their prey populations could spiral out of control, leading to cascading effects that harm other species and the environment itself.