White tigers are neither a species nor a subspecies, but appear as a result of a recessive trait that rarely...
GMAT Reading Comprehension : (RC) Questions
White tigers are neither a species nor a subspecies, but appear as a result of a recessive trait that rarely occurs in the wild. In the 1950s many zoos deliberately and indiscriminately bred white tigers, but more recently, concerns about the desirability of preserving a trait that presumably hinders tigers' to survive in the wild, and recognition that inbreeding could lead to genetic defects, have caused most zoos to such practices. However, some zoo managers argue that the popularity of white tigers provides income important to the survival of zoo sponsored scientific and conservation programs. They also point out that most of the white tigers captured in the wild were adults, proving that their coloration does not hinder their survival ability.
Opponents of white-tiger breeding programs argue that white tigers are merely Indian tigers-a subspecies well represented in both zoos and the wild-and that zoos should focus their tiger management efforts on preserving subspecies whose existence is threatened, thus preventing the Chinese and Indochinese tiger subspecies from joining the Javan, Balinese, and Caspian subspecies in extinction. Alternatively, zoos could mingle the subspecies and manage all tigers in captivity as one species. Although subspecies differences would be lost, this strategy would be advantageous because fewer animals would be necessary to maintain the genetic diversity of tigers in captivity, making scarce zoo resources available for housing other endangered felines.
The passage suggests that, compared with other tiger subspecies, the Indian tiger is
1. Passage Analysis:
Progressive Passage Analysis
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| White tigers are neither a species nor a subspecies, but appear as a result of a recessive trait that rarely occurs in the wild. | What it says: White tigers aren't a separate type of tiger - they're just regular tigers with a rare genetic trait What it does: Establishes the scientific foundation and introduces our main topic Source/Type: Scientific fact Connection to Previous Sentences: This is our opening - no previous connections yet Visualization: Think of it like blue eyes in humans - not a different species, just a rare genetic variation that shows up occasionally Reading Strategy Insight: This sentence immediately clarifies a common misconception - white tigers aren't exotic species, just genetic variants What We Know So Far: White tigers = regular tigers with rare genes What We Don't Know Yet: Why this matters, what the debate is about |
| In the 1950s many zoos deliberately and indiscriminately bred white tigers, but more recently, concerns about the desirability of preserving a trait that presumably hinders tigers' ability to survive in the wild, and recognition that inbreeding could lead to genetic defects, have caused most zoos to abandon such practices. | What it says: Zoos used to breed white tigers a lot, but now most have stopped because of survival and health concerns What it does: Introduces the historical context and the first side of a debate Source/Type: Historical fact + current zoo policy Connection to Previous Sentences: This builds directly on sentence 1 by explaining what zoos did with this "rare genetic trait" and why they changed course Visualization: 1950s: 50+ zoos breeding white tigers → 2020s: maybe 5 zoos still doing it, because they learned about problems Reading Strategy Insight: Note the word "presumably" - this signals the author isn't stating this as absolute fact What We Know So Far: White tigers = genetic variant; Most zoos stopped breeding them due to concerns What We Don't Know Yet: Whether these concerns are valid, if anyone disagrees |
| However, some zoo managers argue that the popularity of white tigers provides income important to the survival of zoo sponsored scientific and conservation programs. | What it says: Some zoo managers say white tigers bring in money that helps fund important conservation work What it does: Introduces the opposing viewpoint - the "however" signals a contrast Source/Type: Zoo managers' argument Connection to Previous Sentences: This directly contrasts with sentence 2's "most zoos abandoned such practices" - showing us there's still disagreement Visualization: White tiger exhibit: 1,000 visitors per day vs. regular tiger: 200 visitors per day = more ticket/gift shop revenue = more money for saving endangered species Reading Strategy Insight: The "However" is your signal that we're getting both sides of the debate - this makes the passage EASIER to follow, not harder What We Know So Far: There's a debate: Stop breeding (health concerns) vs. Keep breeding (funding benefits) |
| They also point out that most of the white tigers captured in the wild were adults, proving that their coloration does not hinder their survival ability. | What it says: These same zoo managers say white tigers found in nature were grown-ups, so the white color doesn't hurt their survival What it does: Provides a second argument from the same group (pro-breeding side) Source/Type: Zoo managers' argument based on observational evidence Connection to Previous Sentences: This elaborates on the zoo managers' position from sentence 3, directly challenging sentence 2's claim about survival problems Visualization: Wild white tigers found: 8 adults, 1 juvenile = evidence they can survive to maturity Reading Strategy Insight: "They also" signals this is just more support for the same side - no new complexity, just additional evidence What We Know So Far: Pro-breeding argument: 1) Money for conservation 2) Wild evidence shows they survive fine |
| Opponents of white-tiger breeding programs argue that white tigers are merely Indian tigers-a subspecies well represented in both zoos and the wild-and that zoos should focus their tiger management efforts on preserving subspecies whose existence is threatened, thus preventing the Chinese and Indochinese tiger subspecies from joining the Javan, Balinese, and Caspian subspecies in extinction. | What it says: The anti-breeding side says white tigers are just common Indian tigers, and zoos should help truly endangered tiger subspecies instead What it does: Presents the main counterargument with specific examples Source/Type: Opposing side's argument Connection to Previous Sentences: "Opponents" clearly signals we're getting the other side of the debate introduced in sentences 2-4 Visualization: Abundant: Indian tigers (including white ones) - 2,500 in wild Endangered: Chinese tigers - 20 left Extinct: Javan, Balinese, Caspian - 0 left Reading Strategy Insight: This reinforces the same basic debate structure - just giving us the full argument from the opposing side What We Know So Far: Two clear positions: Focus on popular white tigers (funding) vs. Focus on truly endangered subspecies |
| Alternatively, zoos could mingle the subspecies and manage all tigers in captivity as one species. | What it says: There's a third option - mix all the tiger subspecies together and treat them as one group What it does: Introduces a compromise/alternative solution Source/Type: Alternative strategy (unclear whose idea) Connection to Previous Sentences: "Alternatively" signals this is a different approach from both sides of the debate we've been hearing about Visualization: Instead of separate breeding programs for each subspecies, put them all together in one big genetic mixing program Reading Strategy Insight: This introduces a third way forward - not taking either side of the main debate What We Know So Far: Three approaches: 1) Breed white tigers 2) Focus on endangered subspecies 3) Mix everything together |
| Although subspecies differences would be lost, this strategy would be advantageous because fewer animals would be necessary to maintain the genetic diversity of tigers in captivity, making scarce zoo resources available for housing other endangered felines. | What it says: The mixing strategy has a downside (losing subspecies uniqueness) but an upside (needing fewer tigers, freeing up space for other endangered cats) What it does: Explains the trade-offs of the alternative strategy introduced in the previous sentence Source/Type: Analysis of the alternative strategy Connection to Previous Sentences: This directly elaborates on sentence 6's "alternative" by explaining its pros and cons Visualization: Current: Need 50 tigers each of 5 subspecies = 250 tigers Mixed approach: Need 100 mixed tigers total = 150 spaces freed up for leopards, lynx, etc. Reading Strategy Insight: This completes the explanation of option 3 - the passage has now fully laid out all positions without adding new complexity What We Know So Far: Complete picture of three approaches, each with clear advantages and disadvantages |
2. Passage Summary:
Author's Purpose:
To present a balanced overview of the ongoing debate about whether zoos should breed white tigers, showing the different arguments and potential solutions without taking sides.
Summary of Passage Structure:
In this passage, the author walks us through a complex zoo management debate by presenting all viewpoints fairly:
- First, the author establishes what white tigers actually are and explains how zoo practices changed over time from widespread breeding to mostly stopping.
- Next, the author presents the pro-breeding argument, showing why some zoo managers still support white tiger programs through both financial and survival evidence.
- Then, the author gives equal time to the opposing view, explaining why critics think resources should go to truly endangered tiger subspecies instead.
- Finally, the author introduces a third option that would avoid the whole debate by mixing all tiger subspecies together, explaining both its benefits and drawbacks.
Main Point:
There are legitimate arguments on multiple sides of the white tiger breeding debate, with valid concerns about conservation priorities, funding needs, and resource management that zoos must balance when making these decisions.
3. Question Analysis:
The question asks us to compare the Indian tiger subspecies with other tiger subspecies based on what the passage suggests. We need to identify what distinguishing characteristic the passage attributes to Indian tigers relative to other subspecies.
Connecting to Our Passage Analysis:
From our detailed passage analysis, several key insights relate directly to this question:
- In sentence 5, we learned that opponents argue "white tigers are merely Indian tigers-a subspecies well represented in both zoos and the wild"
- The same sentence contrasts Indian tigers with subspecies "whose existence is threatened" - specifically mentioning Chinese and Indochinese tigers
- The passage explicitly states these threatened subspecies risk "joining the Javan, Balinese, and Caspian subspecies in extinction"
- Our visualization showed the stark contrast: Indian tigers are abundant (2,500 in wild) while others are endangered (Chinese tigers - 20 left) or extinct (Javan, Balinese, Caspian - 0 left)
Prethinking:
The passage structure clearly establishes a hierarchy of tiger subspecies based on their conservation status. The opponents' argument specifically relies on the fact that Indian tigers (including white tigers) are "well represented" while other subspecies are threatened or extinct. This directly suggests that Indian tigers are less threatened by extinction compared to other subspecies. The passage uses this abundance as the foundation for arguing that zoo resources should be redirected toward truly endangered subspecies rather than focusing on white tigers (which are just Indian tigers).
Why It's Right:
• The passage explicitly states Indian tigers are "well represented in both zoos and the wild"
• This is contrasted directly with subspecies "whose existence is threatened"
• The passage mentions Chinese and Indochinese tigers as examples of threatened subspecies
• Three other subspecies (Javan, Balinese, Caspian) have already gone extinct
• The entire argument against white tiger breeding relies on Indian tigers being abundant while others need help
Key Evidence: "white tigers are merely Indian tigers-a subspecies well represented in both zoos and the wild-and that zoos should focus their tiger management efforts on preserving subspecies whose existence is threatened"
Why It's Wrong:
• The passage provides no information comparing breeding difficulty across subspecies
• The breeding discussion focuses on white tigers specifically, not Indian tigers generally
• "Readily bred" relates to practical breeding challenges, not conservation status
Common Student Mistakes:
- Confusing white tiger breeding practices with general Indian tiger breeding?
→ Remember that white tigers are just a color variant of Indian tigers, not representative of the entire subspecies' breeding characteristics - Thinking "well represented" means "easy to breed"?
→ "Well represented" refers to population abundance, not breeding success in captivity
Why It's Wrong:
• This directly contradicts the passage's evidence about white tigers (Indian tigers) surviving in the wild
• Zoo managers argue that wild white tigers found were adults, proving survival ability
• The passage suggests Indian tigers are abundant, indicating good survival rates
Common Student Mistakes:
- Confusing the initial concern about white tiger survival with proven facts?
→ Note that the passage says survival problems are "presumed" but then provides counter-evidence - Misreading "well represented in the wild" as meaning they struggle to survive?
→ "Well represented" actually indicates successful survival and population maintenance
Why It's Wrong:
• Indiscriminate breeding was historical practice from the 1950s applied to white tigers specifically
• No comparison is made between Indian tigers and other subspecies regarding breeding selectivity
• Current zoo practices have moved away from indiscriminate breeding
Common Student Mistakes:
- Connecting 1950s white tiger breeding to current Indian tiger management?
→ The passage discusses historical practices that most zoos have abandoned, not current subspecies comparisons - Thinking abundance leads to careless breeding?
→ The passage doesn't suggest that well-represented subspecies are bred less carefully
Why It's Wrong:
• The popularity mentioned refers specifically to white tigers, not Indian tigers generally
• White tigers are a small subset of Indian tigers, not representative of the subspecies
• No comparison of visitor popularity is made between different subspecies
Common Student Mistakes:
- Extending white tiger popularity to all Indian tigers?
→ White tigers are rare color variants - their appeal doesn't transfer to regular Indian tigers - Assuming abundance equals popularity?
→ The passage discusses conservation status and visitor appeal as separate issues