Biodiversity and Conservation - TOEFL Reading Practice Test with Answers

In the TOEFL iBT^® exam, socing well in the academic texts in English is very important for acing in the TOEFL Reading section. This segment mirrors the challenges of reading in English-speaking academic environments, assessing skills like identifying main ideas, extracting details, making inferences, and recognising text structure. Consistent practice is the key to excelling in this section. 

Our practice tests closely mimic the format and writing style of the actual exam, ensuring that you feel prepared and self-assured on  the test day. Therefore, join us in taking the TOEFL Practice Test centered on the passage 'Biodiversity and Conservation' to familiarise yourself with the test format and note the areas for improvement!

Reading Instructions

• You have 15 minutes to read the following passage and answer all 9 questions related to it.  
• Most questions are worth 1 point, but the last question is worth more. The directions indicate how many points you will receive for that specific question. 
• The specific section/paragraphs have been provided again with the question for ease of understanding and quick solution.
• Some questions include a word or phrase that is highlighted in the question as well as in the paragraph for quick reference. 

Biodiversity and Conservation

High levels of biodiversity contribute to the stability, productivity, and resilience of ecosystems. Due to its richness, it would be able to tolerate environmental pressures, and healthy ecosystems are more flexible and adaptable to changes. Maintaining biodiversity is crucial for maintaining the natural balance of ecosystems and preserving the sustainability of the resources they provide in the long run.

The three main categories of biodiversity on Earth are genetic diversity, species diversity, and ecological diversity. Some instances of how genetic variation within a species promotes adaptation and survival are wheat varieties that are resistant to diseases and climate change. One of the best witnesses to species diversity is the Amazon Rainforest, which is home to 390 billion trees and about 16,000 different species. For instance, ecosystem variety are diverse ecosystems, such coral reefs, which support nearly 25% of all marine species although taking up less than 1% of the ocean's surface.

One of the major threats is habitat deterioration. For example, deforestation, urbanisation, and expanded agriculture are caused by human activities that affect the natural ecosystems to disappear or become more fragmented. It is possible for species that depend on altered ecosystems to go extinct. 

Through a variety of tactics, conservation initiatives seek to preserve and restore biodiversity. The creation of protected places, such as wildlife reserves and national parks, helps in the preservation of important habitats and species. In order to reduce the impact of humans, conservationists also prioritise rebuilding damaged ecosystems and putting sustainable practices into place.

In order to conserve, community involvement is crucial. This includes local people in conservation activities which can increase the effectiveness of preservation efforts and foster a feeling of community. Participation in citizen initiatives and educational programs is encouraged in order to track and protect regional biodiversity. Traditional methods can be used with scientific methods to create conservation measures that are more broadly accepted and culturally relevant.

Since many environmental issues cut across national borders, addressing the loss of biodiversity requires international cooperation. Coordination of national efforts to conserve biodiversity worldwide is the goal of international agreements and treaties like the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). These agreements promote the sharing of resources, knowledge, and technical innovations to address common issues and further conservation goals.

Despite enormous progress, conservation still faces challenges. The possibility of political and economic forces undermining conservation efforts along with funding for conservation initiatives might occasionally be limited. In order to successfully address new dangers, innovative and adaptive approaches are needed given the rapid pace of environmental changes. More research and collaboration are required to develop and implement policies that protect biodiversity and ensure ecosystems are healthy for future generations.

Directions: Once you have read the passage, answer the following questions.

Paragraph 1 

High levels of biodiversity contribute to the stability, productivity, and resilience of ecosystems. Due to its richness, it would be able to tolerate environmental pressures, and healthy ecosystems are more flexible and adaptable to changes. Maintaining biodiversity is crucial for maintaining the natural balance of ecosystems and preserving the sustainability of the resources they provide in the long run.

1. What can be inferred from Paragraph 1 about ecosystems with high biodiversity?
   1. Ecosystems with high biodiversity require more human intervention to remain stable.
   2. High biodiversity ecosystems are more likely to survive and adapt to environmental changes.
   3. Low biodiversity ecosystems are more productive than high biodiversity ecosystems.
   4. Biodiversity has no significant impact on the sustainability of ecosystems.

Paragraph 2

The three main categories of biodiversity on Earth are genetic diversity, species diversity, and ecological diversity. Some instances of how genetic variation within a species promotes adaptation and survival are wheat varieties that are resistant to diseases and climate change. One of the best witnesses to species diversity is the Amazon Rainforest, which is home to 390 billion trees and about 16,000 different species. For instance, ecosystem variety are diverse ecosystems, such coral reefs, which support nearly 25% of all marine species although taking up less than 1% of the ocean's surface.

1. Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a category or example of biodiversity in Paragraph 2?
   1. Genetic diversity within a species can lead to adaptations that help the species survive.
   2. The Amazon Rainforest exemplifies species diversity with its vast number of tree species.
   3. Coral reefs demonstrate ecosystem diversity by supporting a large number of marine species.
   4. Biodiversity includes the study of ancient species that are no longer present on Earth.

1. The word “witnesses” in paragraph 2 is closest in meaning to :
   1. Evidence
   2. Observers
   3. Testimonies
   4. Advocates

Paragraph 3

One of the major threats is habitat deterioration. For example, deforestation, urbanisation, and expanded agriculture are caused by human activities that affect the natural ecosystems to disappear or become more fragmented. It is possible for species that depend on altered ecosystems to go extinct. 

1. The word “deterioration” in paragraph 3 is closest in meaning to :
   1. Expansion
   2. Improvement
   3. Degradation
   4. Preservation

Paragraph 4

Through a variety of tactics, conservation initiatives seek to preserve and restore biodiversity. The creation of protected places, such as wildlife reserves and national parks, helps in the preservation of important habitats and species. In order to reduce the impact of humans, conservationists also prioritise rebuilding damaged ecosystems and putting sustainable practices into place.

1. What can be inferred about the role of conservation initiatives in preserving biodiversity in Paragraph 4?
   1. Conservation initiatives focus mainly on creating new species.
   2. Conservation initiatives aim to minimize human impact on natural habitats.
   3. Protected areas like wildlife reserves are no longer necessary for conservation efforts.
   4. Conservation efforts prioritize economic development over environmental protection.

1. Why does the author mention "wildlife reserves and national parks" in Paragraph 4?
   1. To provide an example of how sustainable practices are implemented
   2. To illustrate a strategy used in conservation efforts to protect biodiversity
   3. To explain the economic benefits of conservation initiatives
   4. To emphasize the challenges faced by conservationists in preserving habitats

Paragraphs 5

In order to conserve, community involvement is crucial. This includes local people in conservation activities which can increase the effectiveness of preservation efforts and foster a feeling of community. Participation in citizen initiatives and educational programs is encouraged in order to track and protect regional biodiversity. Traditional methods can be used with scientific methods to create conservation measures that are more broadly accepted and culturally relevant.

1. The word “foster” in paragraph 5 is closest in meaning to :
   1. Impose
   2. Promote
   3. Limit
   4. Challenge

Paragraph 6

Since many environmental issues cut across national borders, addressing the loss of biodiversity requires international cooperation. Coordination of national efforts to conserve biodiversity worldwide is the goal of international agreements and treaties like the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). These agreements promote the sharing of resources, knowledge, and technical innovations to address common issues and further conservation goals.

1. According to Paragraph 6, what is the primary aim of international agreements like the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)?
   1. To regulate international trade policies related to biodiversity
   2. To encourage countries to develop unique conservation strategies
   3. To coordinate national efforts and promote global cooperation in conserving biodiversity
   4. To protect only endangered species within specific national borders

Paragraph 7

Despite enormous progress, conservation still faces challenges. (A) The possibility of political and economic forces undermining conservation efforts along with funding for conservation initiatives might occasionally be limited. (B) In order to successfully address new dangers, innovative and adaptive approaches are needed given the rapid pace of environmental changes. (C) More research and collaboration are required to develop and implement policies that protect biodiversity and ensure ecosystems are healthy for future generations. (D)

1. Directions: Review the excerpt from the passage provided above. The letters (A), (B), (C), and (D)  denote where the subsequent sentence could be incorporated.
   
   Furthermore, creating public awareness and educating individuals play a critical role in building support for conservation programs.
   
   Where would the sentence most appropriately belong?
   1. Choice A
   2. Choice B
   3. Choice C
   4. Choice D

Hold on!  Before checking your answers and matching them, explore the TOEFL Exam Pattern and Syllabus!

Answer Key with Explanation for TOEFL Reading Passage - Biodiversity and Conservation

1.  Answer: B

Explanation:  The correct answer is option B. According to paragraph 1, it highlights how ecosystems' resilience, productivity, and stability are all influenced by high levels of biodiversity. Also, it states that ecosystems with high biodiversity are able to cope with environmental stresses and adjust to changing conditions. Thus, it follows that ecosystems with great biodiversity are more flexible and able to deal with changes in their surroundings.

2. Answer: D

Explanation: The correct answer is option D. In Paragraph 2, it examines genetic diversity, species diversity, and ecological diversity—the three primary types of biodiversity. Examples for these categories include coral reefs, wheat varieties, and the Amazon Rainforest. However, option D is the right response because it doesn't discuss researching extinct species. Therefore, option D is the correct answer.

3. Answer: A

Explanation: The correct answer is option A. The paragraph states that the Amazon Rainforest is cited as evidence of species diversity due to its large number of different species. It does not refer to observers, testimonies, or advocates in this context, making the option A the correct answer.

4. Answer: C

Explanation: The correct answer is option C. The sentence describes how difficulties like urbanisation and deforestation, which causes natural ecosystems to decline, result in habitat deterioration. Although it suggests a degradation in quality or condition, option C is the most appropriate meaning in this situation.

5. Answer: B

Explanation: The correct answer is option B. From paragraph 4, it can be inferred that conservation initiatives aim to preserve and restore biodiversity by creating protected areas and minimizing human impact through rebuilding damaged ecosystems and implementing sustainable practices. 

6. Answer: B

Explanation: The correct answer is option B. The phrase has been used as an example of a strategy to preserve important habitats and species. It illustrates the practical approach used in conservation efforts, making option B the correct choice. 

7. Answer: B

Explanation: The correct answer is option B. The term is used in the context of community involvement in conservation efforts to encourage or promote. It refers to increasing the effectiveness of preservation efforts and fostering a sense of community. Therefore, option B is the correct answer.

8. Answer: C

Explanation: The correct answer is option C. In the context of the information given in Paragraph 6, the main goal of international agreements like the CBD is to coordinate national efforts and promote global cooperation to conserve biodiversity. This aligns perfectly with option C, making it the correct answer.

9. Answer: A

Explanation: The correct answer is option A. This is an Insert Text question where you are required to select the appropriate place to insert the provided sentence within the passage. Option A mentions challenges to conservation efforts due to political and economic factors. Adding the sentence here logically follows the discussion by suggesting a way to address these challenges—by raising public awareness and education.

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