IELTS Reading Practice: Effects of Climate Change on Polar Ecosystems

The IELTS Reading section tests your ability to comprehend complex texts and answer various question types accurately. One topic that has been increasingly prevalent in recent years is the effects of climate change on polar ecosystems. This subject combines scientific knowledge with environmental concerns, making it a prime candidate for IELTS Reading passages.

Based on recent trends and the growing global focus on climate issues, it’s highly likely that you may encounter a similar topic in your IELTS exam. Let’s explore this theme through a practice exercise that mimics the actual IELTS Reading test format.

Polar ecosystem affected by climate change

Practice Reading Passage

The Impact of Climate Change on Polar Ecosystems

A. The polar regions, encompassing the Arctic and Antarctic, are experiencing some of the most rapid and severe climate change on Earth. These ecosystems, characterized by extreme conditions and highly specialized flora and fauna, are particularly vulnerable to the effects of global warming. As temperatures rise at rates up to three times faster than the global average, the delicate balance of polar ecosystems is being disrupted, with far-reaching consequences for biodiversity, sea levels, and global climate patterns.

B. One of the most visible and immediate effects of climate change in polar regions is the melting of sea ice. In the Arctic, summer sea ice extent has declined by approximately 40% since satellite observations began in 1979. This loss of ice has profound implications for the region’s wildlife. Species such as polar bears, seals, and walruses depend on sea ice for hunting, resting, and breeding. As their icy habitat shrinks, these animals face increased competition for resources and longer swims between ice floes, leading to higher mortality rates and decreased reproductive success.

C. The warming of polar waters is also altering marine ecosystems. Cold-water species of fish, krill, and plankton are being replaced by warmer-water species moving poleward. This shift in the food web affects not only local predators but also migratory species like whales that rely on polar waters for feeding. Moreover, the increased water temperatures and reduced ice cover are making these regions more susceptible to invasive species, further disrupting native ecosystems.

D. On land, rising temperatures are causing permafrost—permanently frozen ground—to thaw. This thawing releases greenhouse gases such as methane and carbon dioxide that have been trapped for thousands of years, creating a feedback loop that accelerates global warming. The melting permafrost also destabilizes the ground, leading to coastal erosion, landslides, and the collapse of infrastructure in Arctic communities.

E. The effects of climate change in polar regions extend far beyond their geographical boundaries. The melting of land-based ice in Antarctica and Greenland is a major contributor to global sea-level rise, threatening coastal communities worldwide. Additionally, changes in Arctic sea ice affect global weather patterns by altering the jet stream, potentially leading to more extreme weather events in mid-latitude regions.

F. Conservation efforts in polar regions face significant challenges due to the rapid pace of change and the remote nature of these ecosystems. International cooperation is crucial for implementing effective protection measures. Efforts such as the creation of marine protected areas, regulation of commercial activities, and support for indigenous communities are vital steps in preserving polar biodiversity and mitigating the global impacts of polar climate change.

G. Research in polar regions plays a critical role in understanding and predicting global climate trends. Long-term monitoring of ice sheets, ocean currents, and atmospheric conditions in these areas provides valuable data for climate models. Scientists are also studying how polar species are adapting to changing conditions, offering insights into the resilience and vulnerability of ecosystems worldwide.

H. As the effects of climate change on polar ecosystems become increasingly apparent, there is a growing recognition of the need for urgent global action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The fate of polar regions is inextricably linked to the future of our planet, making their protection not just an environmental imperative but a global necessity.

Questions

True/False/Not Given

Do the following statements agree with the information given in the reading passage?
Write:
TRUE if the statement agrees with the information
FALSE if the statement contradicts the information
NOT GIVEN if there is no information on this in the passage

1. Polar regions are warming at a rate similar to the global average.
2. The decline in Arctic summer sea ice has been observed since the late 1970s.
3. Thawing permafrost releases only methane into the atmosphere.
4. Changes in Arctic sea ice can influence weather patterns in other parts of the world.
5. All polar animal species are equally affected by the loss of sea ice.

Multiple Choice

Choose the correct letter, A, B, C, or D.

6. According to the passage, which of the following is NOT mentioned as a direct effect of climate change on polar ecosystems?
   A) Decreased biodiversity
   B) Coastal erosion
   C) Increased tourism
   D) Altered marine food webs

7. The passage suggests that the melting of polar ice contributes to global climate change by:
   A) Increasing global albedo
   B) Releasing trapped greenhouse gases
   C) Cooling the Earth’s atmosphere
   D) Slowing ocean currents

Matching Headings

Match the following headings to the correct paragraphs in the passage. Write the correct letter A-H next to the numbers 8-11.

8. Paragraph C
9. Paragraph E
10. Paragraph F
11. Paragraph G

Headings:
A) The role of polar research in climate science
B) Challenges in polar conservation efforts
C) Global consequences of polar ice melt
D) Impacts on marine life and ecosystems
E) The urgency of reducing greenhouse gas emissions
F) Effects on terrestrial polar environments
G) Visible signs of climate change in polar regions
H) Adaptation strategies of polar species

Summary Completion

Complete the summary below using words from the box.
Write your answers in boxes 12-15 on your answer sheet.

List of words:
invasive, greenhouse, warmer, colder, marine, terrestrial, ice sheets, sea ice

Climate change is causing significant alterations to both (12) __ and (13) __ polar ecosystems. The loss of (14) __ is affecting wildlife dependent on it for survival, while thawing permafrost is releasing (15) __ gases, further exacerbating global warming.

Answer Key and Explanations

1. FALSE
   Explanation: The passage states that temperatures in polar regions are rising “at rates up to three times faster than the global average,” not at a similar rate.

2. TRUE
   Explanation: The text mentions that “summer sea ice extent has declined by approximately 40% since satellite observations began in 1979.”

3. FALSE
   Explanation: The passage states that thawing permafrost releases “greenhouse gases such as methane and carbon dioxide,” not just methane.

4. TRUE
   Explanation: The text indicates that “changes in Arctic sea ice affect global weather patterns by altering the jet stream, potentially leading to more extreme weather events in mid-latitude regions.”

5. NOT GIVEN
   Explanation: While the passage discusses the impact of sea ice loss on some species, it does not state whether all polar animal species are equally affected.

6. C
   Explanation: The passage does not mention increased tourism as a direct effect of climate change on polar ecosystems. All other options are mentioned in the text.

7. B
   Explanation: The passage states that thawing permafrost “releases greenhouse gases such as methane and carbon dioxide that have been trapped for thousands of years.”

8. D
   Explanation: Paragraph C discusses the impacts on marine life and ecosystems, describing changes in fish, krill, and plankton populations.

9. C
   Explanation: Paragraph E focuses on the global consequences of polar ice melt, including sea-level rise and changes in weather patterns.

10. B
    Explanation: Paragraph F outlines the challenges faced in polar conservation efforts, mentioning the rapid pace of change and the need for international cooperation.

11. A
    Explanation: Paragraph G discusses the role of polar research in climate science, mentioning long-term monitoring and its importance for climate models.

12. marine

13. terrestrial

14. sea ice

15. greenhouse

Explanation: The summary accurately reflects the content of the passage, mentioning the effects on both marine and terrestrial ecosystems, the impact of sea ice loss on wildlife, and the release of greenhouse gases from thawing permafrost.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Misinterpreting “Not Given” answers: Remember that “Not Given” means the information is neither confirmed nor contradicted in the text, not that you can’t find it.

2. Falling for distractors in Multiple Choice questions: Always check that your chosen answer is fully supported by the text.

3. Overlooking key words in Matching Headings: Pay close attention to the main idea of each paragraph and match it with the most appropriate heading.

4. Using words not in the given list for Summary Completion: Only use the words provided in the box for this type of question.

Key Vocabulary

• Ecosystem: [ˈiːkəʊsɪstəm] (noun) – a biological community of interacting organisms and their physical environment
• Biodiversity: [ˌbaɪəʊdaɪˈvɜːsəti] (noun) – the variety of plant and animal life in the world or in a particular habitat
• Permafrost: [ˈpɜːməfrɒst] (noun) – a thick subsurface layer of soil that remains frozen throughout the year
• Feedback loop: [ˈfiːdbæk luːp] (noun) – a process in which the outputs of a system are routed back as inputs, potentially amplifying effects
• Mitigate: [ˈmɪtɪgeɪt] (verb) – to make less severe, serious, or painful

Grammar Focus

Pay attention to the use of present perfect tense in sentences like:

“Summer sea ice extent has declined by approximately 40% since satellite observations began in 1979.”

This tense is used to describe actions that started in the past and continue to have relevance in the present. The structure is:

Subject + have/has + past participle + time expression

Practice using this tense to discuss ongoing environmental changes.

Tips for IELTS Reading Success

1. Time management is crucial. Allocate your time wisely across all three passages.

2. Read the questions before the passage to know what information to look for.

3. Don’t spend too much time on one question. If you’re unsure, make an educated guess and move on.

4. Practice active reading techniques like skimming and scanning to quickly locate specific information.

5. Improve your vocabulary, especially terms related to science and the environment, as these are common in IELTS Reading texts.

6. Regularly practice with full-length IELTS Reading tests to build your stamina and familiarity with the exam format.

Remember, success in IELTS Reading comes with consistent practice and strategic approach. Keep honing your skills, and you’ll see improvement in your performance.

For more practice on climate-related topics, you might find our articles on the effects of climate change on global water levels and how climate change impacts the distribution of global water resources helpful in expanding your knowledge and vocabulary in this area.