Q1. [5] deep thorough-understanding
Conservation of forests and wildlife is described as essential for preserving both ecological diversity and genetic diversity. Trace how the loss of a single apex predator like the tiger could, through a chain of consequences, ultimately affect the soil quality and agricultural productivity that human communities depend on.
Generated by claude-sonnet-4-6 · 2026-06-26 13:30 · grounding rag
Model Answer
Chain of Consequences from Loss of Tiger (Apex Predator):
- Collapse of prey control: Tiger is a key species in the faunal web. Without it, herbivore populations (deer, wild boar) grow unchecked.
- Overgrazing and forest degradation: Exploding herbivore numbers strip forest vegetation — shrubs, saplings, and ground cover — leading to deforestation.
- Loss of ecological diversity: As the textbook states, conservation preserves ecological diversity and our life support systems — water, air, and soil.
- Soil degradation: Tree roots hold soil together. Without forest cover, topsoil erodes, losing fertility and structure. Micro-organisms that recycle nutrients decline.
- Impact on agriculture: Since plants, animals, and micro-organisms "re-create the quality of the soil that produces our food," degraded soil directly reduces agricultural productivity, threatening human food security.
Thus, one apex predator's loss cascades into soil loss and crop failure.
Source: Conservation of Forest and Wildlife in India; Project Tiger — Chapter 2
---
Explanation
- Examiners look for a clear chain/cascade: tiger → prey population rise → overgrazing → deforestation → soil erosion → agricultural loss. Each link must be stated.
- Anchor your answer in textbook language: "faunal web," "ecological diversity," "life support systems — water, air, soil."
- Avoid vague statements like "environment is harmed." Be specific at each step.
- 5 marks = roughly 5 linked points. Numbering or a short paragraph-chain both work; numbering is cleaner for this type of question.