Project Tiger was launched not only to save an endangered species but also to preserve 'biotypes of sizeable magnitude'. What does this mean, and why is conserving a tiger's habitat more valuable than protecting the tiger alone?
Generated by claude-sonnet-4-6 · 2026-06-26 13:29 · grounding rag
Model Answer
Biotypes of sizeable magnitude means large natural habitats or ecosystems — forests, grasslands, and wetlands — that support entire communities of plants and animals, not just one species.
Conserving a tiger's habitat is more valuable because:
- A tiger's territory is vast and ecologically rich, so protecting it automatically safeguards countless other species, plants, insects, and soil and water systems.
- It preserves ecological diversity and life-support systems — air, water, and soil — benefiting far more organisms than a single species.
- Losing the habitat ultimately destroys the tiger too, while saving the habitat saves everything within it.
Source: Project Tiger, Chapter 2 — Forest and Wildlife Resources
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Explanation
- The key phrase "biotypes of sizeable magnitude" is directly from the passage; define it clearly — examiners look for this.
- Then contrast species-only conservation with habitat conservation — show the examiner you understand the ecological argument (food web, biodiversity, life-support systems).
- Avoid writing vague statements like "nature is important." Be specific: other species, water, soil, air.
- 3 marks = definition + 2 well-supported reasons. Keep it tight.