9th English: Unit 10: The Silent Predator and the Majestic Prey Online Test, Short Questions Notes
This guide follows the Punjab Class 9 English textbook unit about the snow leopard and the markhor, their predator-prey relationship, mountain adaptations, ecological importance, threats and conservation. The textbook specifically covers Pakistan’s mountain ecosystems, poaching, habitat destruction, climate change, trophy hunting, community participation and the work of conservation organizations.
Summary of this lesson
“The Silent Predator and the Majestic Prey” is an informative lesson about two remarkable animals of Pakistan’s mountainous regions: the snow leopard and the markhor. The snow leopard is a powerful and elusive predator, while the markhor is a herbivore and Pakistan’s national animal. The lesson explains their physical features, habitats, adaptations, and relationship as predator and prey.
The snow leopard, often called the “Ghost of the Mountains,” lives in high, cold mountain areas. Its thick fur, strong body, wide paws, and long tail help it survive in difficult terrain. It is an important predator that helps maintain the natural balance of the mountain ecosystem.
The markhor is famous for its impressive spiral-shaped horns and ability to move across steep and rocky mountains. It feeds on grasses, leaves, and shrubs. As Pakistan’s national animal, it represents the country’s natural beauty and wildlife heritage.
The lesson highlights the delicate balance between predators and prey. It also discusses threats such as poaching, habitat destruction, and climate change. Conservation efforts are important to protect both species and preserve biodiversity.
9th English: Unit 10: The Silent Predator and the Majestic Prey Online Test, Short Questions Notes
Important Short Questions and Answers
Why is the snow leopard called the “Ghost of the Mountains”?
The snow leopard is called the “Ghost of the Mountains” because it is elusive, shy and solitary. Its spotted coat blends with the rocky mountains, so it is rarely seen by humans.
Where does the snow leopard live?
The snow leopard lives in the high-altitude regions of Pakistan, particularly in the Himalayas, Karakoram and Hindu Kush mountain ranges.
How does the snow leopard survive in cold mountains?
It survives through its dense fur, muscular body, wide fur-covered paws and long tail. These adaptations help it withstand cold, walk on snow and balance on narrow ledges.
How do the snow leopard’s paws help it?
Its wide, fur-covered paws act like natural snowshoes. They enable it to walk on snow without sinking.
What is the function of the snow leopard’s long tail?
The long tail helps the snow leopard maintain balance while moving across narrow mountain ledges. It also helps provide warmth when wrapped around the body.
Why is the snow leopard rarely seen by humans?
It is shy and solitary and avoids human contact whenever possible. Its spotted coat also provides excellent camouflage among rocks.
What is the primary prey of the snow leopard?
The markhor is the primary prey of the snow leopard. It also hunts ibex and wild sheep.
Why is the snow leopard important to the ecosystem?
As a top predator, the snow leopard controls the population of herbivores such as markhors. This protects vegetation and maintains the natural balance of the mountain ecosystem.
What is the markhor?
The markhor is a wild mountain goat and Pakistan’s national animal. It has impressive corkscrew-shaped horns and is adapted to steep, rocky mountain areas.
Why is the markhor important to Pakistan?
The markhor is important because it is Pakistan’s national animal and a significant part of the country’s cultural and environmental heritage.
Where is the markhor found in Pakistan?
It is found in the mountainous regions of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, Balochistan and parts of Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
How is the markhor adapted to mountainous regions?
Its wide hooves help it climb steep cliffs, and its coat changes with the seasons. These adaptations help it survive cold winters and warm summers.
What does the markhor eat?
The markhor is a herbivore. It eats grasses, shrubs and leaves.
What is the meaning of the word “markhor”?
The word “markhor” means “snake-eater” in Persian. The name refers to its twisted horns, which resemble coiled snakes.
How high can a markhor live?
A markhor can live at altitudes of up to 3,600 metres.
How long can the horns of male markhors grow?
The horns of male markhors can grow up to 1.5 metres.
What is a predator-prey relationship?
It is a natural relationship in which one animal, called the predator, hunts and eats another animal, called the prey.
How are the snow leopard and markhor related?
The snow leopard is the predator and the markhor is its primary prey. Their relationship helps maintain the balance of the mountain ecosystem.
Why do markhors live in steep and rocky areas?
Markhors live in steep, rocky areas because these places help them escape from snow leopards. Their wide hooves enable them to climb and move quickly on cliffs.
What would happen if the snow leopard disappeared?
The markhor population could increase excessively. This might lead to overgrazing, damage to vegetation and an imbalance in the mountain ecosystem.
What would happen if the markhor disappeared?
The snow leopard would lose its main source of food. This could reduce the snow leopard population and disturb the entire food chain.
Why is balance between predator and prey important?
It keeps animal populations under control and protects vegetation. It ensures the health and stability of the entire ecosystem.
What threats do the snow leopard and markhor face?
They face poaching, habitat destruction, climate change, illegal hunting and conflict with humans.
Why are markhors hunted?
Markhors are hunted mainly for their valuable horns and sometimes for their meat.
Why do herders kill snow leopards?
Herders may kill snow leopards when the animals attack and kill their livestock.
How does habitat destruction affect these animals?
Habitat destruction reduces their living and feeding areas. It also disturbs their movement, breeding and access to food.
How does climate change threaten mountain wildlife?
Climate change alters temperature, snowfall, water availability and vegetation. These changes can reduce suitable habitats and disturb food chains.
What is poaching?
Poaching is the illegal hunting, capturing or killing of wild animals.
Which organisations work for the conservation of these animals?
The Snow Leopard Foundation and WWF-Pakistan are among the organisations working to protect these species and their habitats.
What is the purpose of conservation?
Conservation aims to protect animals, plants, habitats and ecosystems from destruction and ensure their survival for future generations.
How do trophy hunting programmes support conservation?
When strictly regulated, these programmes allow a limited number of markhors to be hunted. The revenue is used for wildlife conservation and local communities are given financial incentives to protect animals.
What is a possible danger of trophy hunting?
If it is not strictly controlled, it may lead to excessive hunting. It may also give priority to money rather than the welfare of animals.
How do local communities help conservation?
Local communities protect wildlife, report illegal hunting and participate in conservation programmes when they receive awareness, support and financial benefits.
How can human-leopard conflict be reduced?
It can be reduced by compensating herders for livestock lost to snow leopards, improving livestock protection and creating awareness about the importance of the species.
How have conservation efforts increased snow leopard numbers?
Awareness programmes and compensation for herders have reduced the killing of snow leopards. Protected areas and conservation organisations have also supported their survival.
Why should habitats be protected?
Habitats provide animals with food, water, shelter and breeding areas. Protecting habitats is necessary for the survival of both species.
How can awareness about endangered animals be increased?
Awareness can be increased through schools, social media, documentaries, wildlife campaigns, community meetings, tourism programmes and conservation education.
How do snow leopards control herbivore populations?
Snow leopards hunt herbivores such as markhors and prevent their numbers from becoming excessive.
How do markhors help mountain vegetation?
Markhors help maintain vegetation by grazing naturally and preventing excessive growth and overgrazing in particular areas.
What is soil erosion?
Soil erosion is the wearing away or removal of the upper layer of soil by water, wind or other forces.
How are markhors connected with soil erosion?
A balanced markhor population helps prevent excessive grazing. This protects vegetation, and vegetation helps hold soil in place.
Why are both species necessary for the ecosystem?
The snow leopard controls herbivore populations, while the markhor forms an important part of the food chain and interacts with mountain vegetation. Together, they help maintain ecological balance.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning | Urdu meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Predator | An animal that hunts and eats another animal | شکاری جانور |
| Prey | An animal hunted by another animal | شکار |
| Majestic | Grand, impressive and beautiful | شاندار |
| Silent | Making little or no sound | خاموش |
| Snow leopard | A wild mountain cat | برفانی چیتا |
| Markhor | A wild mountain goat | مارخور |
| Elusive | Difficult to find or see | نایاب / مشکل سے نظر آنے والا |
| Rugged | Rough, rocky and uneven | ناہموار |
| Altitude | Height above sea level | بلندی |
| Habitat | Natural home of an animal or plant | مسکن |
| Adaptation | A feature that helps an organism survive | موافقت |
| Camouflage | Colours or appearance that help an animal hide | بھیس / چھپنے کی صلاحیت |
| Agility | Ability to move quickly and easily | پھرتی |
| Solitary | Living or acting alone | تنہا |
| Dense | Thick or closely packed | گھنا |
| Muscular | Having strong muscles | عضلاتی |
| Fur | Hair covering an animal’s body | کھال کے بال |
| Hoof | Hard part of the foot of certain animals | کھر |
| Herbivore | An animal that eats plants | سبزی خور جانور |
| Ecosystem | Living things and their physical environment | ماحولیاتی نظام |
| Conservation | Protection of nature and wildlife | تحفظ |
| Poaching | Illegal hunting of wild animals | غیر قانونی شکار |
| Heritage | Traditions and natural or cultural legacy | ورثہ |
| Vulnerable | Weak and easily harmed | کمزور / خطرے سے دوچار |
| Endangered | At risk of extinction | معدومیت کے خطرے سے دوچار |
| Magnificent | Extremely attractive and impressive | شاندار |
| Preserve | Protect and maintain | محفوظ رکھنا |
| Threat | Danger or possible harm | خطرہ |
| Overgrazing | Excessive grazing of land | حد سے زیادہ چرائی |
| Erosion | Gradual wearing away of soil | کٹاؤ |
| Vegetation | Plant life in a particular area | نباتات |
| Livestock | Farm animals kept by people | مویشی |
| Compensation | Money given for loss or damage | معاوضہ |
| Incentive | Something that encourages action | ترغیب |
| Revenue | Income or money received | آمدنی |
| Regulation | Official rule or control | ضابطہ |
| Trophy hunting | Hunting animals for their horns or other features | ٹرافی کے لیے شکار |
| Predator-prey | Relationship between hunter and hunted | شکاری اور شکار کا تعلق |
| Biodiversity | Variety of living organisms | حیاتیاتی تنوع |
| Remote | Far away and difficult to reach | دور دراز |
Synonyms and Antonyms
| Word | Synonym | Antonym |
|---|---|---|
| Silent | Quiet | Noisy |
| Majestic | Grand | Ordinary |
| Elusive | Untraceable | Obvious |
| Rugged | Rough | Smooth |
| Agile | Quick | Clumsy |
| Solitary | Alone | Social |
| Dense | Thick | Thin |
| Preserve | Protect | Destroy |
| Vulnerable | Weak | Strong |
| Magnificent | Splendid | Inferior |
| Threat | Danger | Safety |
| Ancient | Old | Modern |
| Increase | Grow | Decrease |
| Balance | Stability | Imbalance |
| Legal | Lawful | Illegal |
| Valuable | Precious | Worthless |
| Natural | Wild | Artificial |
| Rare | Uncommon | Common |
| Benefit | Advantage | Harm |
| Prevent | Stop | Allow |
Word Usage
- Predator: The snow leopard is a powerful predator.
- Prey: The markhor is the primary prey of the snow leopard.
- Majestic: The markhor is a majestic mountain animal.
- Elusive: The snow leopard is an elusive animal.
- Habitat: Mountain regions are the natural habitat of the snow leopard.
- Adaptation: Wide hooves are an important adaptation of the markhor.
- Conservation: Conservation is necessary for endangered species.
- Poaching: Poaching threatens wild animals.
- Vulnerable: Both species remain vulnerable despite conservation efforts.
- Preserve: We must preserve Pakistan’s natural heritage.
- Ecosystem: Every animal has a role in the ecosystem.
- Compensation: Compensation can reduce conflict between herders and snow leopards.
Important Spellings
Grammar: Hyphenated Nouns and Adjectives
A hyphen joins two or more words to form one idea. It is commonly used in compound nouns and compound adjectives.
Correct the following sentences
- The editor in chief made several changes.
The editor-in-chief made several changes. - The student gave a well written essay.
The student gave a well-written essay. - The city has state of the art infrastructure.
The city has state-of-the-art infrastructure. - He works as a part time teacher.
He works as a part-time teacher. - My brother in law is visiting us.
My brother-in-law is visiting us. - Snow leopards live in high altitude regions.
Snow leopards live in high-altitude regions. - The project is community based.
The project is community-based. - The animal is well adapted to its habitat.
The animal is well-adapted to its habitat. - The conservation programme is long term.
The conservation programme is long-term. - Pakistan needs more wildlife protection programmes.
Pakistan needs more wildlife-protection programmes.
Common hyphenated words
- high-altitude
- fur-covered
- corkscrew-shaped
- well-known
- well-adapted
- community-led
- community-based
- part-time
- long-term
- state-of-the-art
- editor-in-chief
- brother-in-law
- anti-poaching
- self-control
- non-governmental
- co-operation
Words with “-ough”
The letters -ough have different pronunciations.
| Word | Pronunciation pattern | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Though | “tho” | Although |
| Through | “throo” | From one side to another |
| Rough | “ruff” | Uneven or harsh |
| Enough | “enuff” | Sufficient |
| Thought | “thawt” | Idea or past of think |
| Cough | “koff” | Forceful expulsion of air |
| Dough | “doe” | Mixture used for bread |
| Bough | “bow” | Large branch of a tree |
| Bought | “bawt” | Purchased |
| Although | “awl-tho” | In spite of the fact that |
Fill in the blanks
- The river runs the valley.
through - She smiled, even she had faced many difficulties.
though - The road was very .
rough - He had not about the topic before the presentation.
thought - We have food for the journey.
enough - The patient had a severe .
cough - Salma kneaded the to make bread.
dough - The bird sat on a of the tree.
bough - He a new book yesterday.
bought - it was cold, the markhor continued grazing.
Although
Active and Passive Voice
- Active: The snow leopard hunts the markhor.
Passive: The markhor is hunted by the snow leopard. - Active: Conservationists protect endangered species.
Passive: Endangered species are protected by conservationists. - Active: Local communities support wildlife programmes.
Passive: Wildlife programmes are supported by local communities. - Active: Herders protect their livestock.
Passive: Their livestock is protected by herders. - Active: The government established national parks.
Passive: National parks were established by the government. - Active: Markhors eat grasses and shrubs.
Passive: Grasses and shrubs are eaten by markhors. - Active: Climate change threatens mountain habitats.
Passive: Mountain habitats are threatened by climate change. - Active: Conservationists compensate the herders.
Passive: The herders are compensated by conservationists.
Direct and Indirect Speech
- Direct: The guide said, “The snow leopard is an endangered animal.”
Indirect: The guide said that the snow leopard was an endangered animal. - Direct: Ali said, “The markhor is Pakistan’s national animal.”
Indirect: Ali said that the markhor was Pakistan’s national animal. - Direct: The teacher said, “Protect wildlife.”
Indirect: The teacher advised the students to protect wildlife. - Direct: Sara said, “I have seen a markhor.”
Indirect: Sara said that she had seen a markhor. - Direct: The conservationist said, “Do not hunt illegally.”
Indirect: The conservationist advised people not to hunt illegally.
Comprehension Practice
Passage 1: The Snow Leopard
The snow leopard is one of the most elusive animals on the planet. Its thick, spotted coat helps it blend perfectly with the rocky mountains. It can live at very high altitudes and survives the cold because of its dense fur and muscular build. Its wide, fur-covered paws allow it to walk on snow without sinking, while its long tail helps it balance on narrow ledges.
Questions
- Why is the snow leopard called elusive?
It is called elusive because it is difficult to find and rarely seen by humans. - What helps it blend with the rocky mountains?
Its thick, spotted coat helps it blend with the rocky mountains. - How does it survive the cold?
It survives the cold through its dense fur and muscular build. - What is the function of its paws?
Its paws help it walk on snow without sinking. - What helps it balance on narrow ledges?
Its long tail helps it balance on narrow ledges.
Passage 2: The Markhor
The markhor is Pakistan’s national animal. It has impressive corkscrew-shaped horns and is perfectly adapted to steep and rocky terrain. Its wide hooves help it climb cliffs, while its coat changes with the seasons. The markhor is a herbivore that feeds on grasses, shrubs and leaves.
Questions
- What is the national animal of Pakistan?
The markhor is Pakistan’s national animal. - What shape are its horns?
Its horns are corkscrew-shaped. - How do its hooves help it?
Its wide hooves help it climb steep cliffs. - What does the markhor eat?
It eats grasses, shrubs and leaves. - What type of animal is the markhor?
It is a herbivore.
Passage 3: Ecological Balance
The relationship between the snow leopard and the markhor is an example of predator and prey. Snow leopards depend on markhors for food, while markhors escape by living in steep and rocky areas. This relationship helps maintain the balance of nature. If snow leopards disappear, markhor populations may increase and cause overgrazing.
Questions
- What relationship exists between the snow leopard and the markhor?
They have a predator-prey relationship. - What do snow leopards depend on for food?
They depend mainly on markhors. - How do markhors escape predators?
They escape by living in steep and rocky areas. - What might happen if snow leopards disappear?
The markhor population may increase and cause overgrazing. - What does this relationship maintain?
It maintains the balance of nature.
Passage 4: Conservation
Poaching, habitat destruction and climate change have reduced the populations of the snow leopard and the markhor. Conservation organisations and local communities are working to protect these species. Strictly regulated trophy hunting programmes provide funds for conservation and financial incentives for local people. Compensation for herders also helps reduce the killing of snow leopards.
Questions
- Name two threats to the animals.
Poaching and habitat destruction are two threats. - Who is working to protect these species?
Conservation organisations and local communities are working to protect them. - How do trophy hunting programmes help conservation?
They provide funds for conservation and financial incentives for local people. - How can compensation help snow leopards?
It can reduce the killing of snow leopards by compensating herders for lost livestock. - What is the main idea of the passage?
Conservation efforts are necessary to protect endangered wildlife.
Fill in the Blanks
- The snow leopard is known as the of the Mountains.
Ghost - The snow leopard’s main prey is the .
markhor - The markhor is Pakistan’s national .
animal - The snow leopard has wide, fur-covered .
paws - The markhor has corkscrew-shaped .
horns - The markhor is a .
herbivore - Poaching and habitat threaten wildlife.
destruction - The Snow Leopard Foundation and -Pakistan work for conservation.
WWF - The snow leopard controls the population of .
herbivores - Excessive grazing is called .
overgrazing - The wearing away of soil is called soil .
erosion - Compensation can reduce human- conflict.
leopard - The markhor’s name means -eater in Persian.
snake - Trophy hunting must be conducted under strict .
regulations - Both species remain despite conservation successes.
vulnerable
True/False Statements
- The snow leopard is a herbivore.
False - The markhor is Pakistan’s national animal.
True - The snow leopard’s spotted coat helps it camouflage among rocks.
True - The markhor eats grasses, shrubs and leaves.
True - The markhor has straight, flat horns.
False - Poaching threatens both the snow leopard and the markhor.
True - The snow leopard has no role in the ecosystem.
False - The markhor can climb steep cliffs because of its wide hooves.
True - Trophy hunting is always uncontrolled in conservation programmes.
False - Compensation for herders can reduce snow leopard killings.
True - Climate change has no effect on mountain habitats.
False - The markhor is the predator and the snow leopard is the prey.
False - Overgrazing can damage mountain vegetation.
True - Local communities can support conservation.
True - Protecting wildlife also protects the ecosystem.
True
Why is the predator-prey relationship between the snow leopard and markhor important?
The relationship is important because it maintains the natural balance of the mountain ecosystem. The snow leopard controls the population of markhors and other herbivores. If herbivores become too numerous, they may overgraze the land and damage vegetation. The markhor also provides food for the snow leopard. Therefore, both species are connected through the food chain.
How do the adaptations of the snow leopard help it survive?
The snow leopard has a thick spotted coat that provides warmth and camouflage. Its wide, fur-covered paws help it walk on snow without sinking. Its long tail helps it balance on narrow ledges and provides warmth. Its muscular body and agility help it move and hunt in steep, rocky mountains.
How is the markhor adapted to mountainous regions?
The markhor has wide hooves that help it climb steep cliffs and move over rocky terrain. Its coat changes with the seasons, giving it warmth in winter and allowing it to remain comfortable in summer. Its ability to live on grasses, shrubs and leaves helps it survive in mountain habitats.
What are the threats faced by the snow leopard and markhor?
Both species face poaching, habitat destruction and climate change. Markhors are hunted for their valuable horns. Snow leopards are sometimes killed by herders because they attack livestock. These activities reduce their populations and disturb the balance of the mountain ecosystem.
What are the benefits and concerns of trophy hunting programmes?
When trophy hunting is strictly regulated, it can generate revenue for wildlife conservation and provide financial incentives to local communities. It may encourage people to protect animals and their habitats. However, it may become harmful if hunting is uncontrolled or if financial gain is given greater importance than animal welfare. Therefore, strict monitoring is essential.
What might happen if either the snow leopard or markhor disappeared?
If the snow leopard disappeared, the markhor population might increase excessively and cause overgrazing and damage to vegetation. If the markhor disappeared, snow leopards would lose their main source of food and might decline in number. The disappearance of either species would disturb the food chain and weaken the mountain ecosystem.
How can human-leopard conflict be reduced?
Human-leopard conflict can be reduced by compensating herders for livestock lost in snow leopard attacks. Herders can also be trained to protect their livestock safely. Awareness programmes can explain the ecological importance of snow leopards. Protected habitats and community-based conservation can further reduce conflict.
How can awareness about endangered species be increased?
Awareness can be increased through school lessons, documentaries, social media campaigns, wildlife exhibitions, local meetings and responsible tourism. Conservation organisations should involve local communities and explain the economic and ecological benefits of protecting wildlife.
Why are mountain ecosystems important?
Mountain ecosystems provide habitats for unique plants and animals. They contain important vegetation, water resources and biodiversity. The snow leopard and markhor help maintain these ecosystems. Protecting mountain ecosystems is necessary for wildlife, local communities and future generations.
Write a short descriptive paragraph about the snow leopard.
The snow leopard is a beautiful and elusive wild cat found in the high mountains of Pakistan. It has a thick, spotted coat, piercing blue eyes, wide fur-covered paws and a long tail. Its coat provides camouflage among the rocks, while its paws help it walk on snow. It is a shy and solitary predator whose main prey is the markhor. It plays an important role in maintaining the ecological balance.
Write a short descriptive paragraph about the markhor.
The markhor is Pakistan’s national animal and a majestic wild goat of the mountains. It has impressive corkscrew-shaped horns and wide hooves that help it climb steep cliffs. It feeds on grasses, shrubs and leaves and is therefore a herbivore. The markhor is an important part of Pakistan’s natural and cultural heritage. It must be protected from poaching and habitat destruction.
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