Footprints in the Mud
Read Footprints in the Mud and check the IELTS Reading answers. Everybody knows that the dinosaurs became extinct as a result of a large asteroid; something big hit the Earth 65 million years ago and, when the dust had fallen, so had the great reptiles. There is thus a nice, if ironic, symmetry in…
Passage preview
Everybody knows that the dinosaurs became extinct as a result of a large asteroid; something big hit the Earth 65 million years ago and, when the dust had fallen, so had the great reptiles. There is thus a nice, if ironic, symmetry in the idea that a similar impact brought about the dinosaurs’ rise. That is the thesis proposed by Paul Olsen of Columbia University.
Vocabulary from this passage
11 words worth learning before you sit the test, each with the sentence it appears in.
- abundant adjective
Existing or available in extremely large quantities; plentiful and easy to find in a given environment
The rainforest provides an abundant supply of diverse plant species utilized in modern pharmacology.
- anomaly noun
Something that deviates significantly from what is standard, normal, or expected within a particular context
The sudden spike in atmospheric radiation was treated as a dangerous statistical anomaly.
- disintegrate verb
To break up into minute parts, typically as the direct result of intense impact, decay, or structural failure
The meteor began to disintegrate into thousands of fragments upon entering the Earth's upper atmosphere.
- ecological release noun
A population explosion occurring when a species is suddenly freed from limiting factors like predators or competition
The invasive rat species experienced rapid ecological release after being introduced to the isolated island.
- flourish verb
To grow or develop in a remarkably healthy or vigorous way, especially in a favorable environment
Microscopic organisms can rapidly flourish in marine ecosystems when provided with optimal nutrient levels.
- opportunist noun
A biological species or person that adapts their behavior to exploit circumstances as they immediately arise
Raccoons are highly successful urban opportunists, thriving on human food waste in major cities.
- perceptible adjective
Able to be seen, heard, or noticed by the senses, even if the change is exceptionally slight or subtle
There has been a clearly perceptible shift in public attitudes regarding renewable energy adoption.
- scour verb
To clean or clear a surface thoroughly, often by rubbing hard or through forceful friction and erosion
Flash floods routinely scour the canyon walls, reshaping the geographical landscape over decades.
- sediment noun
Particulate matter that settles to the bottom of a liquid, often forming geological layers over extended periods
River sediment deposited along the banks creates highly fertile soil for agricultural development.
- subsequent adjective
Coming after something in time; following a particular event, action, or historical period
The initial discovery was accidental, but subsequent investigations revealed a massive underground cave system.
- tectonic process noun
Geological activity relating to the structure of the earth's crust and the large-scale movements occurring within it
The formation of the Himalayan mountain range was driven entirely by violent tectonic processes.
Answers with explanations
- 14. FALSE
The statement claims there is **still doubt** about the **asteroid strike** theory killing the dinosaurs. However, the first sentence of the passage states unequivocally that "**Everybody knows** that the dinosaurs became extinct as a result of a large asteroid". Because the author presents this as a universally accepted fact rather than a doubtful theory, the statement is FALSE.
- 15. FALSE
The question suggests that **books and the cinema** have **exaggerated** the size of dinosaurs. In contrast, the passage describes the dinosaurs as monsters that are "**realistically depicted** in modern **books and movies**." Because the text explicitly says the depictions are realistic, not exaggerated, the statement is FALSE.
- 16. NOT GIVEN
The passage explains that **Olsen’s idea** reveals a **sudden dinosaur occupation** (happening in a "geological eye-blink"). However, it never discusses the reactions of **other scientists** to this specific finding. Because there is no information about whether other scientists accepted or **rejected** his idea, the answer is NOT GIVEN.
- 17. TRUE
The statement claims **footprints** are found **more frequently** than **skeletons**. The text confirms this by stating that "Dinosaur skeletons are **rare**" while footprints are "surprisingly **abundant**." This directly supports that footprints are much more common. Therefore, the statement is TRUE.
- 18. FALSE
The statement claims **ichnotaxa** provide an **exact identification** of a **species**. The text directly contradicts this, stating that they are types of footprints that "**cannot be matched precisely** within the **species** of animal that left them." Because the text explicitly denies an exact match, the answer is FALSE.
- 19. TRUE
The statement says there is **evidence** that **some groups** of dinosaurs **survived** from the **Triassic** into the **Jurassic period**. The text confirms this by discussing ichnotaxa (footprint types representing groups), noting that "**four march confidently across the boundary into the Jurassic**." Since the text directly supports the claim, the answer is TRUE.
- 20. ecological release
The summary states the **sudden increase in the size of dinosaurs** was due to "something known as" the answer. The text explains that the ichnotaxa quickly increased in size and suggests the explanation for this is a "phenomenon called **ecological release**." This noun phrase perfectly fits both the meaning and grammar of the summary.
- 21. dragons
The summary discusses Komodo Island **lizards** being "commonly called" the answer due to their size. The passage matches this perfectly, stating that these local lizards grow so large they are "**often referred to as dragons**." The plural noun "**dragons**" fits the grammatical structure and directly mirrors the text.
- 22. competitors
The summary states the lizards grow big because they "do not have any" of the answer. The text explains that reptiles grow large when they reach islands "where they **face no competitors**." Therefore, the plural noun "**competitors**" correctly completes the sentence. (IELTS would accept "competitors" as it directly relates to the island lizards).
- 23. overlooked
The summary gives reasons why a large crater hasn't been found. The first is that it "may have been" the answer by scientists because craters are "easily covered up". The text says exactly this: "It may, of course, have been **overlooked**" because old craters are "buried, and not always easy to find." The past participle "**overlooked**" fits grammatically.
- 24. vanished
The summary gives a second reason, stating the crater "could have" done something before giving the example of the ocean. The text says "Alternatively, it may have **vanished**," before discussing craters in the ocean floor. The past participle "**vanished**" grammatically completes the verb phrase "could have [verb]."
- 25. tectonic processes
The summary explains that an ocean hole would no longer exist because of the things that "produce continental drift". The text points to the "**tectonic processes** that bring about continental drift." The noun phrase "**tectonic processes**" completes the sentence correctly.
- 26. misdated
The summary states a third possibility: the hole still exists but has been something. The text outlines this third possibility by stating that the crater is known, "but has been **misdated**." The past participle "**misdated**" fits perfectly with the grammar of "have been [verb]".