IELTS Reading Practice: The Impact of Deforestation on Global Biodiversity

Welcome to our IELTS Reading practice session focused on the critical topic of “The Impact of Deforestation on Global Biodiversity.” This comprehensive practice test is designed to help you prepare for the IELTS Reading section while exploring an important environmental issue. Let’s dive into the passages and questions that will test your reading comprehension skills and expand your knowledge on this crucial subject.

Deforestation impact on biodiversity

Passage 1 (Easy Text)

The Global Threat of Deforestation

Deforestation, the large-scale removal of forests, has become a pressing environmental concern in recent decades. As human populations grow and demand for resources increases, vast areas of forests are being cleared for agriculture, urbanization, and industrial purposes. This process has far-reaching consequences for the planet’s biodiversity, climate, and overall ecological balance.

Forests are home to an astounding array of plant and animal species. In fact, tropical rainforests alone contain more than half of the world’s known species, despite covering less than 10% of Earth’s land surface. When forests are destroyed, countless species lose their habitats, leading to a dramatic decline in biodiversity. Many of these species are endemic to specific forest regions, meaning they are found nowhere else on Earth. As their habitats disappear, these unique species face the threat of extinction.

The impact of deforestation extends beyond the immediate loss of habitat. Forests play a crucial role in regulating the Earth’s climate by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen. When trees are cut down, this carbon sequestration process is disrupted, contributing to the greenhouse effect and global warming. Additionally, deforestation can lead to soil erosion, altered water cycles, and increased flooding, further destabilizing ecosystems and threatening biodiversity.

Conservation efforts are underway to address the issue of deforestation and its impact on global biodiversity. These include sustainable forestry practices, reforestation projects, and the establishment of protected areas. However, the challenge remains significant, and addressing deforestation requires a concerted effort from governments, organizations, and individuals worldwide.

Questions 1-7

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

1. Deforestation is primarily caused by natural disasters.
2. Tropical rainforests contain more than half of the world’s known species.
3. All species affected by deforestation are at risk of extinction.
4. Forests help regulate the Earth’s climate by absorbing carbon dioxide.
5. Deforestation always leads to increased flooding in affected areas.
6. Conservation efforts to address deforestation are proving to be highly successful.
7. Individuals have no role to play in addressing deforestation.

Questions 8-10

Complete the sentences below with words from the passage. Use NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS for each answer.

8. Many species found in specific forest regions are described as ___ to those areas.
9. The process by which forests absorb carbon dioxide is called carbon ___.
10. One approach to combat deforestation involves implementing ___ forestry practices.

Passage 2 (Medium Text)

Biodiversity Hotspots Under Threat

The concept of biodiversity hotspots was introduced by British ecologist Norman Myers in 1988 and has since become a cornerstone of conservation efforts. These hotspots are regions characterized by exceptional levels of plant endemism and serious levels of habitat loss. To qualify as a hotspot, a region must contain at least 1,500 species of vascular plants as endemics and have lost at least 70% of its original natural vegetation.

Currently, 36 biodiversity hotspots have been identified worldwide, covering just 2.4% of Earth’s land surface. However, these areas support more than half of the world’s plant species as endemics and nearly 43% of bird, mammal, reptile, and amphibian species as endemics. This concentration of biodiversity makes these hotspots critically important for conservation efforts.

Deforestation poses a significant threat to many of these biodiversity hotspots. For instance, the Atlantic Forest in Brazil, which once covered a vast area along the country’s coast, has been reduced to less than 7% of its original extent. This forest is home to over 20,000 plant species, 40% of which are endemic. The ongoing deforestation in this region continues to jeopardize the survival of numerous species, including the golden lion tamarin and the woolly spider monkey.

Similarly, the forests of Southeast Asia, particularly in Indonesia and Malaysia, are experiencing rapid deforestation due to palm oil production and timber extraction. These forests are home to iconic species such as orangutans, tigers, and rhinoceros, all of which are facing increasing pressure as their habitats shrink. The rate of deforestation in this region is among the highest in the world, with dire consequences for biodiversity.

Conservation strategies in these hotspots often involve a combination of approaches. Protected areas play a crucial role, providing safe havens for threatened species. However, the effectiveness of these areas can be limited if they become isolated islands surrounded by degraded landscapes. Therefore, conservation efforts also focus on creating corridors between protected areas, allowing wildlife to move and genetic diversity to be maintained.

Another important strategy is engaging local communities in conservation efforts. Many hotspots are in developing countries where poverty and lack of alternative livelihoods can drive deforestation. Programs that provide economic incentives for conservation, such as payment for ecosystem services, can help align the interests of local communities with biodiversity protection.

International cooperation is also essential in protecting biodiversity hotspots. Many of these regions cross national borders, requiring coordinated efforts between countries. Additionally, global initiatives like the Convention on Biological Diversity provide frameworks for international action to address biodiversity loss.

As the threats to biodiversity hotspots continue to grow, so does the urgency of conservation efforts. The loss of these unique ecosystems would not only represent an irreplaceable loss of biodiversity but could also have far-reaching consequences for global climate regulation and ecosystem services that benefit humanity.

Questions 11-15

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

11. According to the passage, biodiversity hotspots:
    A) Cover more than 10% of Earth’s land surface
    B) Contain all of the world’s endemic plant species
    C) Support nearly half of bird, mammal, reptile, and amphibian species as endemics
    D) Were first identified in the 21st century

12. The Atlantic Forest in Brazil:
    A) Has been completely destroyed
    B) Contains only non-endemic plant species
    C) Has lost more than 90% of its original area
    D) Is home to the woolly spider monkey

13. Deforestation in Southeast Asia is primarily driven by:
    A) Urban expansion
    B) Palm oil production and timber extraction
    C) Natural disasters
    D) Tourism development

14. Conservation strategies in biodiversity hotspots often include:
    A) Completely isolating protected areas
    B) Focusing solely on endangered animal species
    C) Creating corridors between protected areas
    D) Encouraging increased human settlement

15. The passage suggests that protecting biodiversity hotspots:
    A) Is solely the responsibility of developing countries
    B) Requires international cooperation
    C) Is no longer possible due to extensive damage
    D) Should focus exclusively on creating more protected areas

Questions 16-20

Complete the summary below using words from the passage. Use NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS for each answer.

Biodiversity hotspots are areas with high levels of plant (16) and significant habitat loss. These regions cover a small percentage of Earth’s surface but are home to a large proportion of the world’s species. Deforestation is a major threat to these hotspots, as seen in the (17) Forest of Brazil and the forests of Southeast Asia. Conservation efforts in these areas often involve creating (18) areas and connecting them with wildlife corridors. Engaging (19) in conservation through economic incentives is another important strategy. International cooperation, including global initiatives like the (20)___ on Biological Diversity, is crucial for protecting these vital ecosystems.

Passage 3 (Hard Text)

The Cascading Effects of Deforestation on Biodiversity

The impact of deforestation on global biodiversity extends far beyond the immediate loss of habitat and species. It triggers a complex series of ecological cascades that can fundamentally alter ecosystems and lead to what scientists term “extinction debts” – delayed biodiversity losses that occur long after the initial deforestation event. Understanding these intricate processes is crucial for developing effective conservation strategies and mitigating the long-term consequences of forest loss.

One of the most significant cascading effects of deforestation is the disruption of species interactions. Forests host intricate webs of relationships between plants, animals, fungi, and microorganisms. When deforestation occurs, these relationships are severed, leading to what ecologists call “co-extinction events.” For instance, the loss of a single tree species can lead to the disappearance of numerous insects, epiphytes, and other organisms that depend on it for survival. This phenomenon is particularly pronounced in tropical forests, where many species have evolved highly specialized relationships with specific host plants or animals.

The fragmentation of forest habitats due to deforestation also has profound implications for biodiversity. As contiguous forest areas are broken into smaller patches, edge effects become more pronounced. These edge effects include changes in microclimate, increased vulnerability to invasive species, and altered species compositions. Species that require large, uninterrupted habitats, such as large predators or migratory birds, are particularly susceptible to these changes. Over time, this can lead to a homogenization of biodiversity, with generalist species thriving at the expense of specialists.

Deforestation also impacts biodiversity through its effects on ecosystem services and biogeochemical cycles. Forests play a crucial role in nutrient cycling, water regulation, and soil formation. When forests are cleared, these processes are disrupted, leading to cascading effects throughout the ecosystem. For example, deforestation can lead to increased soil erosion and nutrient leaching, which in turn affects water quality in nearby streams and rivers. This can have devastating consequences for aquatic biodiversity, even in areas far removed from the initial deforestation site.

The loss of forest cover also has significant implications for climate regulation, both locally and globally. Deforestation is a major contributor to climate change, responsible for approximately 15% of all greenhouse gas emissions. The resulting changes in temperature and precipitation patterns can lead to further biodiversity losses, as species struggle to adapt to rapidly changing environmental conditions. This creates a feedback loop where climate change exacerbates the impacts of deforestation, leading to even greater biodiversity losses.

Recent research has highlighted the potential for tipping points in forest ecosystems, where gradual deforestation can lead to sudden and irreversible changes in ecosystem structure and function. For instance, in the Amazon rainforest, scientists have warned that continued deforestation could lead to a shift towards a savanna-like ecosystem in parts of the basin. Such a transformation would have catastrophic consequences for biodiversity, potentially leading to the extinction of thousands of species.

Addressing the cascading effects of deforestation on biodiversity requires a multifaceted approach. Conservation efforts must go beyond simply protecting remaining forest areas and focus on restoring degraded landscapes and re-establishing ecological connectivity. This involves not only reforestation but also the careful management of matrix habitats between forest patches to facilitate species movement and gene flow.

Moreover, there is a growing recognition of the need to address the underlying drivers of deforestation, including agricultural expansion, logging, and infrastructure development. This requires policy interventions at multiple scales, from local land-use planning to international agreements on trade and climate change mitigation.

The concept of “nature-based solutions” has gained traction in recent years as a means of addressing both biodiversity loss and climate change. These approaches seek to harness the power of natural ecosystems to provide multiple benefits, such as carbon sequestration, flood protection, and habitat provision. For example, the restoration of mangrove forests can protect coastlines from storm surges while also providing critical habitats for numerous species and sequestering large amounts of carbon.

As our understanding of the complex interactions between deforestation and biodiversity continues to evolve, so too must our approaches to conservation. Integrating insights from ecology, climate science, and social sciences will be crucial for developing effective strategies to mitigate the cascading effects of deforestation and preserve the planet’s irreplaceable biological heritage.

Questions 21-26

Complete the summary below using words from the passage. Use NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS for each answer.

Deforestation has far-reaching consequences for biodiversity, including (21) extinction events and the creation of extinction debts. The fragmentation of forests leads to (22) effects, which can result in a homogenization of biodiversity. Deforestation also disrupts (23) cycles and ecosystem services, affecting even distant aquatic ecosystems. It contributes significantly to (24), creating a feedback loop of biodiversity loss. Some ecosystems may reach (25) where sudden, irreversible changes occur. Addressing these issues requires a multifaceted approach, including the implementation of (26)-based solutions.

Questions 27-33

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

27. The loss of a single tree species can lead to the disappearance of multiple dependent organisms.
28. Edge effects always result in increased biodiversity in forest fragments.
29. Deforestation is responsible for approximately 25% of all greenhouse gas emissions.
30. Scientists have predicted that parts of the Amazon rainforest could transform into a savanna-like ecosystem.
31. Conservation efforts should focus solely on protecting remaining forest areas.
32. Nature-based solutions can address both biodiversity loss and climate change.
33. All countries have agreed on a unified approach to tackle deforestation and its effects on biodiversity.

Questions 34-36

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

34. According to the passage, which of the following is NOT mentioned as a cascading effect of deforestation?
    A) Disruption of species interactions
    B) Increased soil fertility
    C) Changes in local climate
    D) Alterations in nutrient cycling

35. The concept of “extinction debts” refers to:
    A) The financial cost of species extinction
    B) Delayed biodiversity losses occurring after deforestation
    C) The number of species currently on the brink of extinction
    D) The debt owed by countries responsible for deforestation

36. The passage suggests that effective conservation strategies should:
    A) Focus exclusively on reforestation efforts
    B) Ignore the social aspects of deforestation
    C) Address the underlying drivers of deforestation
    D) Prioritize economic development over biodiversity protection

Answer Key

Passage 1

1. FALSE
2. TRUE
3. NOT GIVEN
4. TRUE
5. FALSE
6. NOT GIVEN
7. FALSE
8. endemic
9. sequestration
10. sustainable

Passage 2

11. C
12. C
13. B
14. C
15. B
16. endemism
17. Atlantic
18. protected
19. local communities
20. Convention

Passage 3

21. co-extinction
22. edge
23. biogeochemical
24. climate change
25. tipping points
26. nature
27. TRUE
28. FALSE
29. FALSE
30. TRUE
31. FALSE
32. TRUE
33. NOT GIVEN
34. B
35. B
36. C

This IELTS Reading practice test on “The Impact of Deforestation on Global Biodiversity” covers a range of important concepts related to forest ecology, conservation, and environmental science. By engaging with these texts and questions, you’ll not only improve your reading comprehension skills but also gain valuable insights into one of the most pressing environmental issues of our time.

Remember to practice time management as you work through these passages and questions. In the actual IELTS test, you’ll have 60 minutes to complete the entire Reading section, which includes three passages of increasing difficulty.

For more practice on related topics, you might want to check out our articles on the impact of climate change on global weather patterns and how climate change impacts biodiversity in tropical rainforests. These resources will help you build a broader understanding of environmental issues often featured in IELTS Reading tests.

Keep practicing, and good luck with your IELTS preparation!