The IELTS Reading section is a key component of the IELTS exam, featuring various text genres such as descriptive, narrative, and expository, designed to evaluate your reading comprehension skills. One increasingly relevant and complex topic that has appeared in past IELTS exams is “The Effects of Climate Change on Marine Biodiversity.” Given its global relevance and scientific interest, it is a topic that provides abundant material for IELTS preparation.
This article offers a detailed reading passage related to this topic, complete with questions and answers, to help you practice and improve your reading skills for the IELTS exam. Based on the popularity of climate change topics in previous IELTS exams, this topic holds a substantial probability of reoccurrence.
IELTS Reading Practice Passage: Medium Text
The Effects of Climate Change on Marine Biodiversity
Climate change is profoundly affecting the earth’s marine ecosystems, leading to significant changes in biodiversity. The rise in global temperatures, increasing levels of carbon dioxide (CO2), and changing patterns of oceanic currents are major contributing factors to these changes. Scientists have identified various mechanisms through which climate change impacts marine biodiversity, including ocean acidification, thermal stress, and habitat loss.
Ocean Acidification: One of the primary ways in which climate change influences marine life is through ocean acidification. As atmospheric CO2 levels rise, more CO2 is absorbed by the oceans. This leads to a decrease in pH levels, making the water more acidic. Acidic conditions dissolve calcium carbonate minerals, which are crucial for organisms like coral reefs, shellfish, and some planktonic species. The collapse of these foundational species can disrupt entire marine food chains.
Thermal Stress: Increasing sea surface temperatures place thermal stress on marine organisms, particularly those that are sensitive to temperature fluctuations. Coral reefs, for example, experience bleaching events when water temperatures rise beyond their tolerance levels. Bleached corals expel the symbiotic algae living within their tissues, resulting in lower energy production and increased susceptibility to disease. This phenomenon not only threatens coral populations but also the myriad species that depend on coral reefs for habitat.
Habitat Loss: Climate change also causes habitat loss through sea-level rise and changing oceanic currents. Mangroves and seagrass meadows, which serve as crucial nurseries for many marine species, are particularly vulnerable. As these habitats degrade or disappear, the species that rely on them for breeding and feeding face declining populations.
Shifts in Species Distribution: Additionally, climate change forces species to migrate towards the poles in search of optimal water temperatures. Such shifts can lead to alterations in community structures and predator-prey relationships, potentially causing the decline or even extinction of less adaptable species.
Ultimately, the interconnectedness of marine ecosystems means that the effects of climate change can have cascading impacts, leading to reduced biodiversity and altering the functioning of marine environments. Mitigating these impacts requires global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and protect vulnerable marine habitats.
Practice Questions
Multiple Choice
-
What is one significant cause of ocean acidification mentioned in the text?
- A) Increase in oceanic currents
- B) Higher atmospheric CO2 levels
- C) Sea surface temperature rise
- D) Loss of symbiotic algae
-
Which term describes the phenomenon when coral reefs expel symbiotic algae?
- A) Habitat loss
- B) Ocean acidification
- C) Bleaching
- D) Thermal stress
True/False/Not Given
- Scientists believe that mangroves cannot adapt to changing oceanic currents.
- Ocean acidification is beneficial for planktonic species.
Summary Completion
- Complete the summary using the list of words/phrases below.
- atmospheric CO2
- dissolve
- nutrient-rich
- sea surface temperatures
- predator-prey
Climate change significantly impacts marine biodiversity through various mechanisms. The increase in (a) levels causes the oceans to absorb more CO2, leading to ocean acidification. This process results in acidic waters that (b) calcium carbonate, affecting key species like corals and shellfish. Rising (c) create thermal stress, leading to widespread coral bleaching events. Furthermore, changing conditions force species to migrate, disrupting (d) relationships.
Short-answer Questions
- What are the two main habitats mentioned that are vulnerable to climate change?
- How does thermal stress affect marine organisms?
Answer Key
-
B) Higher atmospheric CO2 levels
- Explanation: The passage explicitly states that higher atmospheric CO2 levels lead to ocean acidification.
-
C) Bleaching
- Explanation: When corals expel symbiotic algae due to thermal stress, it is referred to as bleaching.
-
Not Given
- Explanation: The passage does not mention scientists’ beliefs regarding mangroves’ adaptation to changing currents.
-
False
- Explanation: The text clearly indicates that acidic conditions dissolve calcium carbonate, which is detrimental to some planktonic species.
-
- a) atmospheric CO2
- b) dissolve
- c) sea surface temperatures
- d) predator-prey
- Explanation: These words accurately complete the summary based on the passage details.
-
Mangroves and seagrass meadows
- Explanation: These habitats are mentioned as particularly vulnerable to climate change.
-
It causes bleaching and can make organisms more susceptible to diseases.
- Explanation: The text describes thermal stress leading to coral bleaching and increased disease susceptibility.
Common Mistakes and Tips
Common Mistakes
- Misinterpretation of key terms such as “acidification” and “thermal stress.”
- Overlooking the connection between habitat loss and species decline in the text.
- Confusing multiple-choice options due to similar wording.
Tips
- Focus on Keywords: Pay attention to significant phrases and terms mentioned in the text.
- Use Context Clues: Utilize context to understand difficult scientific terms.
- Practice Regularly: Regular reading practice enhances comprehension skills and prepares you for various question types.
Vocabulary
Notable Words
- Biodiversity (noun): /ˌbaɪoʊdaɪˈvɜːrsəti/ – The variety of life in a particular habitat or ecosystem.
- Acidification (noun): /əˌsɪdɪfɪˈkeɪʃən/ – The process of becoming acidic or more acidic.
- Thermal (adj): /ˈθɜːrməl/ – Related to heat.
- Symbiotic (adj): /ˌsɪmbaɪˈɑːtɪk/ – Involving interaction between two different organisms living in close physical association.
Grammar Point
- Nominalization: Transforming verbs or adjectives into nouns to achieve a more academic tone. Example: “to acidify” becomes “acidification.”
Advice for High IELTS Reading Scores
- Read Extensively: Regular reading of academic articles, scientific journals, and reputable news sources can sharpen your comprehension abilities.
- Practice Different Question Types: Familiarize yourself with all question formats – this adaptability will boost your confidence during the actual exam.
- Time Management: Practice under timed conditions to improve your speed and efficiency.
This passage and set of exercises aim to provide you with a robust practice session. For a deeper dive into related topics, visit our articles on the effects of climate change on marine life and the impact of overfishing on marine biodiversity.
Remember, consistent practice and thorough understanding of various topics will significantly boost your chances of achieving a high score in the IELTS Reading section. Good luck!