How is Urban Sprawl Affecting Biodiversity?

The IELTS Reading section is renowned for its challenging texts and intricate questions. Over the years, common themes, including environmental and urban-related topics, have frequently appeared. One such topic, “How is urban sprawl affecting biodiversity?” has proven to be both timely and relevant due to the ongoing discussions about sustainable development and urban planning. In today’s practice, we’ll delve into this subject, providing a comprehensive reading passage and a series of questions that reflect the structure of the IELTS Reading test.

Urban sprawl, the uncontrolled expansion of urban areas, impacts biodiversity in numerous ways. With the rise in urban populations, this topic is more relevant than ever. Frequent appearance in various examinations and academic discussions makes this a suitable topic for our practice. Let’s dive into the passage and related questions to get a sense of how urban sprawl influences biodiversity.

Main Content

Reading Passage: Medium Text

How is Urban Sprawl Affecting Biodiversity?

Urban sprawl refers to the extensive, unplanned spread of urban development into areas that were previously rural or natural habitats. This phenomenon has far-reaching implications for biodiversity, which is the variety of life found in a particular habitat or ecosystem. As cities expand, natural landscapes are altered and fragmented, leading to significant consequences for native species and ecosystems.

One of the primary impacts of urban sprawl on biodiversity is habitat loss. Natural habitats are converted into residential, commercial, and industrial areas, reducing the available space for wildlife. This leads to a decrease in the number of species that an area can support. For instance, forests and wetlands, which are rich in biodiversity, are often replaced by concrete structures and asphalt roads, leaving flora and fauna with limited resources to thrive.

Urban Sprawl Habitat Loss

Fragmentation of habitats is another critical issue. When large contiguous habitats are broken into smaller, isolated patches due to urbanization, the movement of species is restricted. This isolation can result in smaller populations, which are more vulnerable to extinction. Additionally, isolated populations may suffer from inbreeding, leading to reduced genetic diversity and the potential for reduced adaptability to environmental changes.

Urban sprawl also introduces pollution into natural environments. Chemical pollutants, such as pesticides and industrial waste, as well as light, noise, and air pollution, can have detrimental effects on wildlife. Pollutants can contaminate soil and water, making environments inhabitable for certain species. Light pollution disrupts the natural behaviors of nocturnal animals, while noise pollution interferes with communication and mating calls, further stressing animal populations.

Invasive species are another consequence of urban sprawl. When humans settle in new areas, they often bring non-native species with them, either intentionally or unintentionally. These invasive species can outcompete, prey on, or bring diseases to native species, causing disruptions in local ecosystems.

Despite these challenges, there are measures that can be taken to mitigate the impact of urban sprawl on biodiversity. Sustainable urban planning practices, such as creating green corridors, preserving natural habitats, and implementing stringent pollution control measures, can help protect biodiversity even in expanding urban areas. Public awareness and community involvement in conservation efforts also play a crucial role in addressing the impacts of urban sprawl.

Questions

Multiple Choice

1. What is urban sprawl?
   a) The intentional spread of urban development
   b) The uncontrolled expansion of urban areas
   c) The replacement of rural areas with natural habitats
   d) The preservation of green spaces in urban planning

2. How does habitat loss occur due to urban sprawl?
   a) By increasing the number of species in an area
   b) By converting natural habitats into urban areas
   c) By preserving natural habitats
   d) By creating green corridors

Identifying Information (True/False/Not Given)

3. Urban sprawl can lead to the fragmentation of habitats.
   True / False / Not Given

4. All animals are able to adapt to changes caused by urban sprawl.
   True / False / Not Given

5. Urban sprawl always results in the extinction of native species.
   True / False / Not Given

Answer Keys

Multiple Choice

1. b) The uncontrolled expansion of urban areas

   • Explanation: Urban sprawl refers to the extensive, unplanned spread of urban development into areas that were previously rural or natural habitats.

2. b) By converting natural habitats into urban areas

   • Explanation: This conversion process reduces the available space for wildlife, leading to habitat loss.

Identifying Information (True/False/Not Given)

3. True

   • Explanation: Fragmentation of habitats is highlighted as a critical issue resulting from urban sprawl.

4. False

   • Explanation: Fragmented populations may suffer from inbreeding and reduced adaptability to environmental changes.

5. Not Given

   • Explanation: The text does not state that urban sprawl always results in the extinction of native species. It discusses the risk and impact but does not make an absolute claim.

Lessons Learned

Common Mistakes

• Misinterpreting the difference between habitat loss and habitat fragmentation.
• Confusing the introduction of invasive species with pollution effects.
• Overlooking the importance of sustainable urban planning practices in mitigating negative impacts.

Vocabulary

• Contiguous (adj) /kənˈtɪɡ.ju.əs/: sharing a common border or touching.
• Habitat (noun) /ˈhæbɪˌtæt/: the natural environment in which a species lives.
• Fragmentation (noun) /ˌfræɡ.menˈteɪ.ʃən/: the process of breaking or being broken into small or separate parts.
• Inbreeding (noun) /ˈin.brīd.iŋ/: the breeding of closely related individuals.

Grammar

• Passive Voice: Used to emphasize the action rather than the subject (e.g., “Natural habitats are converted into residential, commercial, and industrial areas”).
  • Structure: [subject] + [form of “to be”] + [past participle] + [by + agent] (optional).
  • Example: “Forests and wetlands are often replaced by concrete structures.”

Advice for High IELTS Reading Scores

• Focus on understanding the context before answering the questions.
• Practice identifying keywords and scanning texts to find relevant information quickly.
• Familiarize yourself with different types of IELTS Reading questions and develop strategies for each.

Keep practicing, stay curious, and approach each reading passage with a critical eye. Success in the IELTS Reading section comes with consistent and mindful preparation. Good luck!