Biodiversity - TOEFL iBT® Reading Practice Test

Biodiversity, the variety of life across ecosystems, is a common topic in academic and environmental discussions. The TOEFL Reading section often includes such themes, requiring a deep understanding of ecological concepts and interconnections.

By practising passages on 'Biodiversity,' you’ll build the skills to interpret scientific discussions, analyse data, and draw conclusions about environmental balance—key abilities for success in the TOEFL Reading section.

Reading Instruction: 

• 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, a term that includes the variety of life on Earth, is an essential part of ecosystem health and strength. It relates not only to the number of species present in a given habitat but also to the genetic variety within those species and the variety of environments themselves. The concept of biodiversity is often broken down into three main levels: species variety, genetic variety, and environment variety. Each of these levels plays an important role in maintaining environmental balance and supporting the many services that environments provide, such as clean air and water, pollination of crops, and climate regulation. The importance of biodiversity has been recognized since the late 20th century, especially after the 1992 Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, which emphasized the critical need for protection efforts globally.

Species variety, the most commonly referenced aspect of biodiversity, pertains to the number of different species within a particular area. This variety is important because it enhances environment productivity and stability. For example, ecosystems with a higher number of species tend to be stronger against environmental changes, such as climate fluctuations or invasive species. Research conducted by the National Academy of Sciences in 2012 showed that diverse environments can recover more quickly from interruptions, such as wildfires or floods, compared to those with fewer species. This strength is attributed to the complementary roles that different species play within their environments, allowing for more efficient resource use and greater overall productivity. However, while species variety is essential, it is not the only factor that determines environment health, as the connections among species also significantly influence ecological outcomes.

Genetic variety, on the other hand, refers to the differences in genetic makeup among individuals within a species. This variety is essential for the adaptability and survival of species in changing environments. For example, a population with high genetic variety is more likely to have individuals that can withstand diseases, climate changes, or habitat alterations. Conversely, populations with low genetic variety are at a higher risk of extinction, as they may lack the necessary traits to adjust to new challenges. A notable case is that of the cheetah, which has experienced a significant genetic narrowing, leading to reduced genetic variety and increased susceptibility to disease. Protection efforts often focus on preserving genetic variety to ensure the long-term survival of species, particularly those that are endangered or at risk, such as the Amur leopard, which is critically endangered due to habitat loss and poaching.

Environment variety includes the different environments found within a particular region, such as forests, wetlands, grasslands, and coral reefs. Each environment provides unique habitats and supports distinct communities of organisms. The loss of any one environment can have far-reaching effects on the species that depend on it, as well as on the services that environment provides. For example, the destruction of wetlands not only threatens the species that inhabit these areas but also reduces the natural filtration of water, leading to poorer water quality in surrounding regions. The 2019 Global Biodiversity Outlook report indicated that wetlands have been lost at a rate of 35% since the 1970s, emphasizing the critical need for conservation. So, protecting environment variety is crucial for maintaining the overall health of the planet.

Despite its importance, biodiversity is currently facing unmatched threats due to human activities. Habitat destruction, climate change, pollution, and overexploitation of resources are leading to a rapid decline in species populations and the extinction of many species. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), about one million species are currently at risk of extinction, primarily due to human-related factors. This loss of biodiversity not only threatens the survival of individual species but also weakens the environments that provide essential services to humanity. The decline in pollinator populations, for example, has significant effects on global food security, as many crops depend on these species for successful reproduction. Furthermore, the ongoing climate crisis worsens these threats, as rising temperatures and changing rainfall patterns disrupt habitats and species connections.

In conclusion, biodiversity is a fundamental aspect of the Earths environments, supporting their health and strength. The connections between species variety, genetic variety, and environment variety highlight the complexity of life on our planet. As human activities continue to put pressure on natural systems, the critical need for conservation and sustainable practices becomes increasingly clear. Protecting biodiversity is not just an environmental concern; it is essential for ensuring the well-being of future generations. The challenge lies in fostering a global commitment to preserving the intricate web of life that sustains us all. Questions remain about how best to balance human needs with the need for conservation, particularly in light of ongoing debates regarding land use, resource management, and climate change reduction strategies.

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

Paragraph 1 

Biodiversity, a term that includes the variety of life on Earth, is an essential part of ecosystem health and strength. It relates not only to the number of species present in a given habitat but also to the genetic variety within those species and the variety of environments themselves. The concept of biodiversity is often broken down into three main levels: species variety, genetic variety, and environment variety. Each of these levels plays an important role in maintaining environmental balance and supporting the many  services that environments provide, such as clean air and water, pollination of crops, and climate regulation. The importance of biodiversity has been recognised since the late 20th century, especially after the 1992 Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, which emphasised the critical need for protection efforts globally. 

Factual Information Question 

1.  According to paragraph 1, what are the three main levels of biodiversity?
   
   1. Species variety, genetic variety, and environment variety
   2. Species variety, habitat variety, and climate variety
   3. Genetic variety, environmental balance, and species extinction
   4. Environmental variety, climate regulation, and agricultural productivity

Negative Factual Information Question

1. In paragraph 1, each of the following is mentioned as a service provided by environments EXCEPT
   
   1. Clean air
   2. Pollination of crops
   3. Climate regulation
   4. Increased genetic variety

Paragraph 2 

Species variety, the most commonly referenced aspect of biodiversity, pertains to the number of different species within a particular area. This variety is important because it enhances environment productivity and stability. For example, ecosystems with a higher number of species tend to be stronger against environmental changes, such as climate fluctuations or invasive species. Research conducted by the National Academy of Sciences in 2012 showed that diverse environments can recover more quickly from interruptions, such as wildfires or floods, compared to those with fewer species. This strength is attributed to the complementary roles that different  species play within their environments, allowing for more efficient resource use and greater overall productivity. However, while species variety is essential, it is not the only factor that determines environment health, as the connections among species also significantly influence ecological outcomes. 

Inference Question

1. What can be inferred about ecosystems with a higher number of species based on paragraph 2?
   
   1. They are less productive than those with fewer species.
   2. They are more resilient to environmental changes.
   3. They require more resources to maintain stability
   4. They are more likely to suffer from invasive species.

Rhetorical Purpose Question

1. Why does the author mention the research conducted by the National Academy of Sciences in 2012 in paragraph 2?
   
   1. To illustrate the importance of species variety in ecosystem recovery
   2. To argue against the significance of species variety
   3. To provide a historical context for biodiversity studies
   4. To highlight the role of invasive species in ecosystems

Paragraph 3 

Genetic variety, on the other hand, refers to the differences in genetic makeup among individuals within a species. This variety is essential for the adaptability and survival of species in changing environments. For example, a population with high genetic variety is more likely to have individuals that can withstand diseases, climate changes, or habitat alterations. Conversely, populations with low genetic variety are at a higher risk of extinction, as they may lack the necessary traits to adjust to new challenges. A notable case is that of the cheetah, which has experienced a significant genetic narrowing, leading to reduced genetic variety and increased susceptibility to disease. Protection efforts often focus on preserving genetic variety to ensure the long-term survival of species, particularly those that are endangered or at risk, such as the Amur leopard, which is critically endangered due to habitat loss and poaching.

Vocabulary Question

1. The word adaptability in paragraph 3 is closest in meaning to
   
   1. High genetic variety increases a population's chances of survival.
   2. Populations with high genetic variety are less likely to face extinction.
   3.  Genetic variety is crucial for a population's adaptability to changes.
   4. Individuals in a population with high genetic variety are more resilient.

Sentence Simplification Question

1. Which of the sentences below best expresses the essential information in the following text in paragraph 3? A population with high genetic variety is more likely to have individuals that can withstand diseases, climate changes, or habitat alterations
   
   1. High genetic variety increases a populations chances of survival
   2. Populations with high genetic variety are less likely to face extinction.
   3. Genetic variety is crucial for a populations adaptability to changes.
   4.  Individuals in a population with high genetic variety are more resilient.

Paragraph 4 

Environment variety includes the different environments found within a particular region, such as forests, wetlands, grasslands, and coral reefs. Each environment provides unique habitats and supports distinct communities of organisms. The loss of any one environment can have far-reaching effects on the species that depend on it, as well as on the services that environment provides. For example, the destruction of wetlands not only threatens the species that inhabit these areas but also reduces the natural filtration of water, leading to poorer water quality in surrounding regions. The 2019 Global Biodiversity Outlook report indicated that wetlands have been lost at a rate of 35% since the 1970s, emphasising the critical need for conservation. So, protecting environment variety is crucial for maintaining the overall health of the planet.

Prose Summary Question 

1. Select the TWO answer choices that are mentioned in paragraph 4 as being consequences
   of the loss of environment variety. To receive credit, you must select TWO answers.
   
   1. Threats to species that inhabit specific environments
   2. Decreased water quality in surrounding regions
   3. Increased agricultural productivity
   4. Loss of unique habitats

Paragraph 5

Despite its importance, biodiversity is currently facing unmatched threats due to human activities. Habitat destruction, climate change, pollution, and overexploitation of resources are leading to a rapid decline in species populations and the extinction of many species. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), about one million species are currently at risk of extinction, primarily due to human-related factors. This loss of biodiversity not only threatens the survival of individual species but also weakens the environments that provide essential services to humanity. The decline in pollinator populations, for example, has significant effects on global food security, as many crops depend on these species for successful reproduction. Furthermore, the ongoing climate crisis worsens these threats, as rising temperatures and changing rainfall patterns disrupt habitats and species connections.

Insert Missing Sentence Question

1. In paragraph 5, there is a missing sentence. The paragraph is repeated below and shows four letters (A, B, C, and D) that indicate where the following sentence could be added. 

   "Human activities are the primary drivers of these changes." 

   Where would the sentence best fit? 

   1. Despite its importance, biodiversity is currently facing unmatched threats due to human activities. 
   2. Habitat destruction, climate change, pollution, and overexploitation of resources are leading to a rapid decline in species populations and the extinction of many species. 
   3. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), about one million species are currently at risk of extinction, primarily due to human-related factors. 
   4. This loss of biodiversity not only threatens the survival of individual species but also weakens the environments that provide essential services to humanity.  
      

Paragraph 6 

In conclusion, biodiversity is a fundamental aspect of the Earths environment, supporting their health and strength. The connections between species variety, genetic variety, and environment variety highlight the complexity of life on our planet. As human activities continue to put pressure on natural systems, the critical need for conservation and sustainable practices becomes increasingly clear. Protecting biodiversity is not just an environmental concern; it is essential for ensuring the well-being of future generations. The challenge lies in fostering a global commitment to preserving the intricate web of life that sustains us all. Questions remain about how best to balance human needs with the need for conservation, particularly in light of ongoing debates regarding land use, resource management, and climate change reduction strategies.

Purpose of the Passage Question

1.  What is the main purpose of paragraph 6?
   
   1. To summarise the importance of biodiversity and the need for conservation
   2. To discuss the challenges of balancing human needs with conservation efforts
   3. To highlight the complexity of life on Earth
   4. To provide examples of successful conservation strategies

Prose Summary Question 

1. Directions: An introductory sentence for a brief summary of the passage is provided below. Complete the summary by selecting the THREE answer choices that express the most important ideas in the passage. Some sentences do not belong in the summary because they express ideas that are not presented in the passage or are minor ideas in the passage. This question is worth 2 points.
   

   Biodiversity is crucial for maintaining ecosystem health and stability.

   1. It encompasses species variety, genetic variety, and environment variety.
   2. Human activities are the leading cause of biodiversity loss.
   3. The extinction of species is primarily due to natural disasters.
   4. Conservation efforts are necessary to protect biodiversity for future generations. 
   5. Biodiversity is only important for environmental scientists and ecologists.  

Answer Key with Explanation for TOEFL Reading Passage - Biodiversity 

Here are the answers and explanations for the questions based on the provided passage. 

1. Answer: A
Explanation:The passage explicitly states that biodiversity is broken down into three main levels: species variety, genetic variety, and environment variety. This is a direct reference from the text, making option A the correct choice.

2. Answer: D
Explanation:The passage lists clean air, pollination of crops, and climate regulation as services provided by environments. However, increased genetic variety is not mentioned as a service; rather, it is discussed as a component of biodiversity. Thus, option D is the correct answer.

3. Answer: B
Explanation:The passage indicates that ecosystems with a higher number of speciestend to be stronger against environmental changes, suggesting that they are more resilient. This inference aligns with the information provided about the benefits of species variety in enhancing ecosystem stability.

4. Answer: A
Explanation:The mention of the research serves to support the claim that diverse environments can recover more quickly from disturbances. This illustrates the significance of species variety in maintaining ecosystem health, making option A the correct choice.

5. Answer: A
Explanation:Adaptability" refers to the ability to adjust to new conditions, which is synonymous with flexibility. This understanding aligns with the context in which adaptability is discussed regarding species survival in changing environments.

6. Answer: A
Explanation:This option succinctly captures the essence of the original sentence, which discusses how high genetic variety enhances a population's ability to withstand challenges. It effectively conveys the main idea without unnecessary detail.

7. Answer: A and B
Explanation:The passage states that the loss of environments threatens the species that depend on them and also mentions the reduction in natural filtration of water, leading to poorer water quality. Both options A and B are directly supported by the text.

8. Answer: A
Explanation: The sentence Human activities are the primary drivers of these changes fits best after the introductory statement about biodiversity facing threats due to human activities. It provides a clear transition into the specific threats listed in the following sentences.

9. Answer: A
Explanation:The paragraph encapsulates the significance of biodiversity and stresses the necessity for conservation efforts. It serves as a conclusion that reiterates the main themes of the passage, making option A the most appropriate choice.

10. Answer: A,B, and C
Explanation:Options A, B, and C are all significant points made in the passage regarding the components of biodiversity, the threats it faces, and the essential services it provides. Option E also aligns with the passage s emphasis on the need for conservation. Options D and F do not reflect the main ideas presented in the text.

Also Read:

• Grammar at Deeper Level - TOEFL Reading Practice Test With Answer
• Human Aggression - TOEFL iBT® Reading Practice Questions with Answer Key
• Swimming Devices - TOEFL iBT® Reading Practice Questions with Answer Key
• Earth and its Landscape - TOEFL iBT® Reading Practice Questions with Answer Key
• Facial Expressions and Emotions - TOEFL iBT® Reading Practice Questions with Answer Key