Snow Leopard's Ecosystem Role — Passage
Snow leopards are apex predators, meaning they are at the top of their food chain. Their presence keeps mountain ecosystems healthy and balanced.
These big cats mainly hunt animals like blue sheep, ibex, and marmots. By controlling these prey populations, snow leopards prevent overgrazing. If there were too many grazing animals, they would eat all the plants, leading to soil erosion and fewer food sources for other wildlife.
Snow leopards also help other species survive. When they leave behind leftover kills, scavengers like foxes, vultures, and even smaller cats get food. Without snow leopards, these animals would struggle to find enough to eat.
Their habitat—high mountain ranges—is also crucial for humans. Many of Asia’s major rivers start in snow leopard territory. Protecting these areas ensures clean water for millions of people.
Losing snow leopards would disrupt the entire ecosystem. Fewer predators could lead to too many grazing animals, damaging plant life and even causing landslides. That’s why scientists call snow leopards an "indicator species"—their health reflects the health of their environment.
What is an apex predator?
An animal that only eats plantsA predator at the top of the food chainAn animal that lives underwaterA tiny insect that controls ecosystemsHow do snow leopards help prevent overgrazing?
By planting seedsBy hunting grazing animals like blue sheepBy scaring away all animalsBy melting snow for waterWhich animals benefit from snow leopards’ leftover kills?
Fish and frogsFoxes and vulturesPolar bears and penguinsBees and butterfliesWhy are snow leopards called an "indicator species"?
Their health shows the health of the ecosystemThey point directions to water sourcesThey glow in the darkThey migrate every winterWhat might happen if snow leopards disappeared?
Grazing animals would decreaseOvergrazing could lead to soil erosionMountains would grow tallerRivers would dry up instantlyWhat is the main idea of this passage?
Snow leopards are cute but unimportantSnow leopards balance mountain ecosystemsSnow leopards harm human farmsSnow leopards only live in zoosHow do snow leopards indirectly protect water sources?
By digging wellsBy preventing overgrazing that harms riversBy creating ice with their breathBy swimming in glaciersWhat does "biodiversity" mean in this passage?
Having only one type of plantVariety of life in an ecosystemA snowy mountain rangeA tool to measure snow depthRelated Content
