OCR General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) Biology Practice Exam

What is a major reason for the decline in tiger populations?

1. High demand for tiger meat globally

2. Decrease in tigers because of habitat restoration

3. Extensive poaching for traditional medicine

4. Increased tourism affecting natural habitats

The correct answer is: Extensive poaching for traditional medicine

The major reason for the decline in tiger populations is extensive poaching for traditional medicine. In many cultures, tiger parts are believed to have medicinal properties, leading to a high demand in illegal wildlife markets. This poaching significantly reduces tiger numbers, disrupting their populations and breeding patterns. Additionally, the illegal trade fuels further hunting pressures, as poachers often target breeding females to maximize economic gains, which has devastating effects on the species' ability to recover. While high demand for tiger meat might seem relevant, it is the targeted poaching for various body parts that primarily drives the decline. Habitat restoration typically aims to benefit wildlife and thus is not a cause for decline; in fact, it can be critical for recovery. Increased tourism can have negative impacts, but it generally focuses more on habitat disruption rather than directly causing a drop in tiger numbers when managed sustainably. Therefore, the impact of poaching is the most significant factor in the current threats faced by tigers.