Serengeti Herbivores - TOEFL Reading Practice Test Paper with Answers

Engaging in practice tests stands out as one of the most effective methods to prepare yourself for the TOEFL iBT® exam. These tests closely resemble the actual TOEFL iBT® format, helping you become accustomed to the exam structure and probable question types. 

So, let's start your TOEFL iBT® preparation with the Reading Practice Test Paper on the topic- ‘Serengeti Herbivores’ and help you in sharpening your ability to grasp intricate texts efficiently and practice time management techniques.

Reading Instructions

• You have 15 minutes to read the following passage and answer all 10 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. 

Serengeti Herbivores

Buffalo, zebras, wildebeests, topi, and Thomson’s gazelles form large herds that collectively represent around 90 percent of the total mammalian weight on the Serengeti Plain in East Africa. These animals are all herbivores, consuming plants such as grasses, herbs, and small bushes. However, while they may seem to share the same diet, this is deceptive. Biologist Richard Bell and his team examined the stomach contents of four out of the five species (excluding buffalo) and discovered that each species feeds on different parts of the vegetation. These parts vary in food quality, with lower sections containing juicy, nutrient-rich leaves and higher portions consisting of tougher stems. Additionally, there are sporadically dispersed, highly nutritious fruits that are primarily consumed by Thomson’s gazelles. Among the other three species, zebras consume the most stem material, wildebeests prefer leaves, and topi fall somewhere in between in terms of their dietary preferences for lower leaves versus higher stems.

How can we interpret their varying food preferences? The explanation lies in two distinct differences among these species, related to their digestive systems and body sizes. Based on their digestive systems, these herbivores can be categorized into two groups: nonruminants (like the zebra, with a digestive system similar to a horse) and ruminants (such as the wildebeest, topi, and gazelle, resembling cows). Nonruminants struggle to extract much energy from tough plant parts, but they compensate for this by processing food rapidly through their digestive systems. Consequently, when there's a limited supply of low-quality food, ruminants like the wildebeest, topi, and gazelle gain an advantage. They possess a specialized structure (the rumen) in their stomachs housing microorganisms that break down tough plant materials. Digestion is slower in ruminants as they ruminate, or digest, hard plant parts over time. They continuously regurgitate food from their stomachs to further chew it (similar to cows chewing cud). Only after thorough chewing and digestion, almost to a liquid state, can food pass through the rumen and into the gut. Larger food particles require chewing to a manageable size before passing through. Consequently, in times of food scarcity, ruminants can sustain themselves longer than nonruminants due to extracting more energy from the same food. These differences partly elucidate the feeding behaviors of Serengeti herbivores. Zebras select areas with abundant low-quality food, initially migrating to untapped regions and consuming plentiful low-quality stems before moving on. They are rapid feeders, relying on a high intake of partially digested food. By the time wildebeests (and other ruminants) arrive, zebras' grazing and trampling have depleted the vegetation. Ruminants then target lower, leafier vegetation parts. This aligns with the initial distinctions in stomach contents we discussed.

The second aspect of the explanation relates to the size of the body. Larger animals have a greater need for food compared to smaller animals, yet smaller animals possess a higher metabolic rate. Consequently, smaller animals can thrive in environments with limited food availability as long as the available food is rich in energy. This is exemplified by the smallest herbivore, the Thomson’s gazelle, which sustains itself on highly nutritious fruit that is scarce and unable to sustain larger animals. In contrast, the large zebra sustains itself on abundant but low-quality stem material.

The variations in feeding preferences result in differences in migratory behaviors. Specifically, wildebeests adhere to the pattern of local rainfall during their migration. Similarly, other species follow suit. However, when a new area benefits from rainfall, the mammals migrate towards it in a specific sequence to exploit the resources. Zebras, being larger and less selective feeders, are the first to move in, followed by the more selective and smaller wildebeests, with Thomson’s gazelle, the smallest species, arriving last. The subsequent species rely on the groundwork laid by the earlier ones, as the actions of zebras modify the vegetation to suit the dietary needs of wildebeests, topi, and gazelles.

Directions: Now answer the questions. 

Paragraph 1

Buffalo, zebras, wildebeests, topi, and Thomson’s gazelles form large herds that collectively represent around 90 percent of the total mammalian weight on the Serengeti Plain in East Africa. These animals are all herbivores, consuming plants such as grasses, herbs, and small bushes. However, while they may seem to share the same diet, this is illusory. Biologist Richard Bell and his team examined the stomach contents of four out of the five species (excluding buffalo) and discovered that each species feeds on different parts of the vegetation. These parts vary in food quality, with lower sections containing juicy, nutrient-rich leaves and higher portions consisting of tougher stems. Additionally, there are sporadically dispersed, highly nutritious fruits that are primarily consumed by Thomson’s gazelles. Among the other three species, zebras consume the most stem material, wildebeests prefer leaves, and topi fall somewhere in between in terms of their dietary preferences for lower leaves versus higher stems.

1. The term "illusory" in the passage is most similar in meaning to
   1. definite
   2. illuminating
   3. misleading
   4. exceptional

1. Which of the inquiries regarding Richard Bell's study remains unanswered in the first paragraph?
   1. Which herbivore examined primarily consumes fruit?
   2. What plant parts do wildebeests favor for consumption?
   3. Where was the investigation into herbivores' dietary habits conducted?
   4. What was the reason for excluding buffalo from the research study?

Paragraph 2

How can we interpret their varying food preferences? The explanation lies in two associated differences among these species, related to their digestive systems and body sizes. Based on their digestive systems, these herbivores can be categorized into two groups: nonruminants (like the zebra, with a digestive system similar to a horse) and ruminants (such as the wildebeest, topi, and gazelle, resembling cows). Nonruminants struggle to extract much energy from tough plant parts, but they compensate for this by processing food rapidly through their digestive systems. Consequently, when there's a limited supply of low-quality food, ruminants like the wildebeest, topi, and gazelle gain an advantage. They possess a specialized structure (the rumen) in their stomachs housing microorganisms that break down tough plant materials. Digestion is slower in ruminants as they ruminate, or digest, hard plant parts over time. They continuously regurgitate food from their stomachs to further chew it (similar to cows chewing cud). Only after thorough chewing and digestion, almost to a liquid state, can food pass through the rumen and into the gut. Larger food particles require chewing to a manageable size before passing through. Consequently, in times of food scarcity, ruminants can sustain themselves longer than nonruminants due to extracting more energy from the same food. These differences partly elucidate the feeding behaviors of Serengeti herbivores. Zebras select areas with abundant low-quality food, initially migrating to untapped regions and consuming plentiful low-quality stems before moving on. They are rapid feeders, relying on a high intake of partially digested food. By the time wildebeests (and other ruminants) arrive, zebras' grazing and trampling have depleted the vegetation. Ruminants then target lower, leafier vegetation parts. This aligns with the initial distinctions in stomach contents we discussed.

1. The term "associated" in the passage is most similar in meaning to
   1. obvious
   2. significant
   3. expected
   4. connected

1. The author brings up the cow and the horse in paragraph 2 to
   1. highlight differences in how their digestive systems operate compared to those of East African Mammals.
   2. stress that their relatively large body size results in feeding behaviors akin to those of East African mammals.
   3. demonstrate distinctions between ruminants and nonruminants using animals that readers are likely familiar with.
   4. underscore resemblances between the diets of cows and horses and the diets of East African mammals.

1. Which of the following is indicated by Paragraph 2 as a significant factor influencing the variations in feeding preferences among East African herbivores?
   1. The presence of specific food types
   2. Variances in stomach structure
   3. The characteristics of the surrounding vegetation
   4. The capacity to relocate during periods of food scarcity

1. Paragraph 2 indicates that which of the following statements about East African gazelles is NOT true? 
   1. They have a rapid digestion process.
   2. Microorganisms assist in their food digestion.
   3. They struggle to digest large food particles unless these are significantly chewed down.
   4. They thrive even in situations where food availability is limited.

Paragraph 3

The second aspect of the explanation relates to the size of the body. Larger animals have a greater need for food compared to smaller animals, yet smaller animals possess a higher metabolic rate. Consequently, smaller animals can thrive in environments with limited food availability provided that the available food is rich in energy. This is exemplified by the smallest herbivore, the Thomson’s gazelle, which sustains itself on highly nutritious fruit that is scarce and unable to sustain larger animals. In contrast, the large zebra sustains itself on abundant but low-quality stem material.

1. The phrase “provided that” in the passage is most similar in meaning to
   1. as long as
   2. unless
   3. as if
   4. even though

Paragraph 4

The variations in feeding preferences result in differences in migratory behaviors. Specifically, wildebeests adhere to the pattern of local rainfall during their migration. Similarly, other species follow suit. However, when a new area benefits from rainfall, the mammals migrate towards it in a specific sequence to exploit the resources. Zebras, being larger and less selective feeders, are the first to move in, followed by the more selective and smaller wildebeests, with Thomson’s gazelle, the smallest species, arriving last. The subsequent species rely on the groundwork laid by the earlier ones, as the actions of zebras modify the vegetation to suit the dietary needs of wildebeests, topi, and gazelles.

1. According to the passage, which of the following statements about wildebeests is accurate?
   1. Their consumption of stem matter exceeds that of zebras.
   2. They can digest sizable food particles effectively when the food is of excellent quality.
   3. They typically select feeding locations where vegetation has been depleted.
   4. During periods of reduced rainfall, they are inclined to opt for lower-quality food for consumption.

Paragraph 4

The variations in feeding preferences result in differences in migratory behaviors. (A) Specifically, wildebeests adhere to the pattern of local rainfall during their migration. (B) Similarly, other species follow suit. (C) However, when a new area benefits from rainfall, the mammals migrate towards it in a specific sequence to exploit the resources. (D) Zebras, being larger and less selective feeders, are the first to move in, followed by the more selective and smaller wildebeests, with Thomson’s gazelle, the smallest species, arriving last. The subsequent species rely on the groundwork laid by the earlier ones, as the actions of zebras modify the vegetation to suit the dietary needs of wildebeests, topi, and gazelles.

1. Directions: Examine the segment of the text shown above. The letters (A), (B), (C), and (D) denote possible insertion points for the following sentence.
   
   The sequence in which they migrate correlates with their body size.
   
   Where would the sentence best fit?
   1. Choice A
   2. Choice B
   3. Choice C
   4. Choice D

1. Directions: Below is an introductory sentence for summarizing the passage. You need to choose three answer choices that represent the most significant ideas in the passage to complete the summary. Some answer choices are irrelevant or minor ideas not discussed in the passage. This question carries a weight of 2 points.
   
   
2. East African herbivores, though they all live in the same environment, have a range of feeding preferences.
   
   
   •  
   •  
   •  
   Answer Choices
   1. The abundance of nutrient-rich fruits plays a crucial role in the survival of East African mammals.
   2. An herbivore's dietary requirements and consumption patterns are influenced by its size and metabolic rate.
   3. It is uncommon for zebras and wildebeests to contend for identical food sources in identical areas.
   4. Herbivores' distinct digestive systems are a factor in their food choices.
   5. Feeding preferences can impact the migratory behaviors of animals.
   6. It is challenging to discern consistent patterns in the migratory behaviors of herbivores in East Africa.

Answer Key with Explanation for TOEFL iBT® Reading Passage - Serengeti Herbivores

1. Answer: C

Explanation: This is a vocabulary question. The term under examination is "illusory," as emphasized in the first paragraph. The accurate selection is option C, which denotes "misleading." To put it differently, the notion that every East African herbivore shares identical dietary habits is incorrect or deceptive.

2. Answer: D

Explanation: This is a negative factual information question. The accurate choice is option D. The text explicitly mentions that buffalo were not examined but does not explain the reason behind this omission. It addresses the query in option A by mentioning Thomson's gazelles' significant consumption of fruit. It addresses option B by stating wildebeests' preference for consuming leaves. Option C is addressed as the text mentions the research location as the Serengeti Plain in East Africa.

3. Answer: D

Explanation: This is a Vocabulary question. The term under examination is "associated," as indicated in paragraph 2. The accurate option is option D, which is "connected." Therefore, it can be inferred that the distinctions among the species are linked or interconnected.

4. Answer: C

Explanation: This is a Rhetorical Purpose question. The author mentions the cow and the horse in paragraph 2 because these animals are widely recognized by most people. This makes them a useful reference point for readers to understand the categories of animals, specifically ruminants and nonruminants. Choice A is incorrect since the author's intention is not to highlight similarities between the digestive systems of cows and horses with East African mammals. Choice B is incorrect because there is no mention of comparing the body sizes of cows and horses with those of East African mammals; instead, the discussion on body size's impact on feeding habits is found in paragraph 3. Choice D is also incorrect because the passage does not discuss the diets of cows and horses, making it impossible to draw comparisons with the diets of East African mammals.

5. Answer: B

Explanation: This is an Inference question. The answer marked as correct is option B, which pertains to "Variances in stomach structure." Paragraph 2 extensively addresses the variations in feeding preferences attributed to distinct digestive systems, specifically highlighting the disparate stomach structures of ruminants and nonruminants. While choices A, C, and D are referenced in paragraph 2, they are connected to feeding preferences in a less direct and intermittent manner compared to the consistent emphasis on stomach structure differences as the primary determinant of feeding preferences.

6. Answer: A

Explanation: This is a negative Factual Information Question. The correct answer is choice A. The paragraph states that gazelles are ruminants and that it takes time for ruminants to digest their food. Therefore it is incorrect to say that gazelles digest their food quickly. The information given in choices B, C, and D is stated in the paragraph as facts about ruminants.

7. Answer: A

Explanation: This is a Vocabulary question. The highlighted phrase "provided that" in the paragraph tests the concept that small animals can survive with less food as long as that food contains sufficient energy. Choice A, "as long as," accurately represents this idea, indicating that small animals can thrive with reduced food intake as long as the food meets their energy requirements.

8. Answer: C

Explanation: This is a Factual Information question. The correct answer to the question is option C. The second paragraph explains that zebras initially consume the vegetation in an area, and subsequently, ruminants like wildebeests come to graze on the remaining lower, leafier vegetation. This notion is supported by the first paragraph, which mentions that wildebeests have a preference for consuming lower leaves. Option A is refuted by information presented in both paragraphs 1 and 2, which indicate that zebras primarily consume stems while wildebeests feed on leaves. Option B is contradicted by paragraph 2, which states that large food particles cannot pass through the digestive system of ruminants like wildebeests. Option D is opposed by paragraph 2, which explains that ruminants such as wildebeests do not need to resort to consuming low-quality food because they can efficiently extract energy from the same quantity of food over an extended period.

9. Answer: D

Explanation: This is an Insert Text question. You can see the four possible answer

choices in paragraph 4. 

The variations in feeding preferences result in differences in migratory behaviors. (A) Specifically, wildebeests adhere to the pattern of local rainfall during their migration. (B) Similarly, other species follow suit. (C) However, when a new area benefits from rainfall, the mammals migrate towards it in a specific sequence to exploit the resources. (D) Zebras, being larger and less selective feeders, are the first to move in, followed by the more selective and smaller wildebeests, with Thomson’s gazelle, the smallest species, arriving last. The subsequent species rely on the groundwork laid by the earlier ones, as the actions of zebras modify the vegetation to suit the dietary needs of wildebeests, topi, and gazelles.

The sentence provided, “The sequence in which they migrate correlates with

their body size,” is best inserted at choice (D). Choice (D) is the correct answer because it refers to "The sequence," which indicates the specific order in which mammals migrate, as stated in the sentence before choice (D). Additionally, the phrase "correlates with their body size" sets the stage for discussing the different sizes of animals mentioned in the sentence after choice (D).

Choices (A), (B), and (C) are incorrect because neither the sentences before nor after them make any direct mention of a sequence or the animals' body sizes.

10. Answer: B,D,E

Explanation: This is a Prose Summary question. It is completed correctly below.

The correct choices are B, D, and E. Choices A, C, and F are therefore incorrect.

Directions: Below is an introductory sentence for summarizing the passage. You need to choose three answer choices that represent the most significant ideas in the passage to complete the summary. Some answer choices are irrelevant or minor ideas not discussed in the passage. This question carries a weight of 2 points.

East African herbivores, though they all live in the same environment, have a range of feeding preferences.

Answer Choices

A. The abundance of nutrient-rich fruits plays a crucial role in the survival of East African mammals.

B. An herbivore's dietary requirements and consumption patterns are influenced by its size and metabolic rate.

C. It is uncommon for zebras and wildebeests to contend for identical food sources in identical areas.

D. Herbivores' distinct digestive systems are a factor in their food choices.

E. Feeding preferences can impact the migratory behaviors of animals.

F. It is challenging to discern consistent patterns in the migratory behaviors of herbivores in East Africa.

Correct Choices

Choice B, which asserts that "A herbivore's dietary requirements and consumption patterns are influenced by its size and metabolic rate." is accurate as it represents a central concept initially presented in paragraph 2 and further developed in paragraph 3. Specifically, sentence 2 of paragraph 2 establishes that body size constitutes one of the primary factors explaining dietary preferences, with paragraph 3 subsequently providing a detailed rationale for why body size is a key determinant.

Choice D, which contends that "Herbivores' distinct digestive systems are a factor in their food choices" is valid as it constitutes a significant concept extensively discussed in paragraph 2. This paragraph intricately delineates the differing digestive mechanisms of ruminant and nonruminant herbivores and then delves into the resultant feeding behaviors exhibited by these mammalian categories.

Choice E, which posits that "Feeding preferences can impact the migratory behaviors of animals" is accurate as it represents a fundamental concept introduced in paragraph 2 and expounded upon in paragraph 4. This idea logically follows the preceding discussions in paragraphs 1 and 2 regarding the factors contributing to diverse dietary preferences.

Incorrect Choices

Choice A, which claims that "The abundance of nutrient-rich fruits plays a crucial role in the survival of East African mammals" is incorrect. Paragraph 1 specifies that only Thomson’s gazelles consume fruit, while other East African mammals mentioned in the passage consume only stems and leaves.

Choice C, which states that "It is uncommon for zebras and wildebeests to contend for identical food sources in identical areas" is considered incorrect because it represents a minor idea in the passage. The passage discusses the feeding behaviors of zebras and wildebeests as specific examples that support the broader concepts presented in choices B, D, and E.

Choice F, asserting that "It is challenging to discern consistent patterns in the migratory behaviors of herbivores in East Africa." is contradicted by the passage. Paragraph 4 clarifies that species adhere to the pattern of local rainfall in their migration patterns.

Now that you’ve mastered the Reading Section with this test on ‘Serengeti Herbivores’, are you ready to take your TOEFL preparation to the next level? Try some more of our tailored practice tests and build your confidence for TOEFL day. Don’t forget to share your thoughts in the comments!

Additional Reads: 

• Business Psychology Class Discussion - TOEFL Listening Practice test with Answer Key
• How to Prepare for TOEFL: A Definitive Guide to Effective Preparation
• Craftsmen vs Industrialization - TOEFL Reading Practice Questions with Answer Key
• Lecture on Anthropology - TOEFL Listening Practice Test with Answers
• Rembrandt - TOEFL Writing Integrated Practice Test with Sample Answers