New Understanding of Giraffes in the Wild
Read New Understanding of Giraffes in the Wild and check the IELTS Reading answers. Even as the tallest animals on Earth, giraffes can be easy to overlook. Despite being a favorite in zoos, until recently almost nobody studied giraffes in the wild. 'When I first became interested in giraffes in 200…
Passage preview
Even as the tallest animals on Earth, giraffes can be easy to overlook. Despite being a favorite in zoos, until recently almost nobody studied giraffes in the wild. 'When I first became interested in giraffes in 2008 and started looking through the scientific literature, I was really surprised to see how little had been done,' said Megan Strauss, an animal researcher at the University of Minnesota, USA. All that is changing fast, as a growing number of researchers seek to understand the biology and complex behavior of this graceful giant in its native habitat.
Vocabulary from this passage
10 words worth learning before you sit the test, each with the sentence it appears in.
- camouflage noun
Natural coloring or patterns that allow an animal to blend in with its surroundings to avoid detection
The snow leopard's thick, spotted coat provides perfect camouflage against the rocky terrain of the Himalayas.
- cardiovascular system noun
The complex network consisting of the heart and blood vessels that circulates blood throughout the body
Regular aerobic exercise is essential for maintaining a healthy cardiovascular system and reducing the risk of stroke.
- four-chambered adjective
Describing a heart structure divided into four distinct sections, typical of mammals and birds for efficient circulation
The evolution of the four-chambered heart allowed endothermic animals to support a more active and demanding lifestyle.
- mimic verb
To imitate the appearance, behavior, or voice of another, often to achieve a specific survival advantage
Certain non-poisonous butterflies mimic the wing patterns of toxic species to deter potential avian predators.
- native habitat noun
The natural environment in which a particular species of animal or plant normally lives and flourishes
Conservationists are working tirelessly to protect the native habitat of endangered mountain gorillas from deforestation.
- physiology noun
The branch of biology dealing with the physical and chemical functions and vital processes of living organisms
Understanding the physiology of desert animals reveals how they survive for long periods without access to water.
- preservation noun
The act of keeping something in its original state or protecting it from damage, decay, or extinction
The preservation of ancient manuscripts requires carefully controlled environments to prevent the paper from deteriorating further.
- sub-Saharan adjective
Relating to the region of the African continent that lies south of the Sahara Desert
International organizations are implementing new agricultural techniques to improve food security across many sub-Saharan nations.
- valiantly adverb
In a manner that demonstrates great courage, bravery, or determination, especially when facing difficult or dangerous odds
The fire department fought valiantly to contain the blaze before it reached the historic city center.
- vertebrae noun
The individual bony or cartilaginous segments that compose the spinal column or backbone of a vertebrate animal
The whale's massive vertebrae are designed to support its weight while navigating through high-pressure deep-sea environments.
Answers with explanations
- 1. TRUE
The question asks if research in natural environments has increased. The text explicitly states that this lack of study is **changing fast**, with a **growing number of researchers** seeking to understand them in their native habitat, confirming the **increased amount of research**. Answer: TRUE.
- 2. NOT GIVEN
The passage mentions that giraffes are a **favorite in zoos** and quotes **Megan Strauss** regarding the historical lack of scientific literature. However, it does not provide any information about whether she personally **disapproves** of keeping them in zoos. Answer: NOT GIVEN.
- 2-3: ["fatal","car","auto"]
2: The passage mentions that giraffes are a **favorite in zoos** and quotes **Megan Strauss** regarding the historical lack of scientific literature. However, it does not provide any information about whether she personally **disapproves** of keeping them in zoos. Answer: NOT GIVEN.
3: The statement claims the number of giraffes has **nearly doubled**. The passage directly contradicts this by stating that the **population has fallen some 40 percent** in the past 15 years. Answer: FALSE.
- 3. FALSE
The statement claims the number of giraffes has **nearly doubled**. The passage directly contradicts this by stating that the **population has fallen some 40 percent** in the past 15 years. Answer: FALSE.
- 3-4: I
3: The statement claims the number of giraffes has **nearly doubled**. The passage directly contradicts this by stating that the **population has fallen some 40 percent** in the past 15 years. Answer: FALSE.
4: The text states that **female giraffes** can live **20 years or more**. However, it does not compare their lifespan to **males**, so we cannot determine from the text if they **live longer** than their male counterparts. Answer: NOT GIVEN.
- 4. NOT GIVEN
The text states that **female giraffes** can live **20 years or more**. However, it does not compare their lifespan to **males**, so we cannot determine from the text if they **live longer** than their male counterparts. Answer: NOT GIVEN.
- 5. TRUE
The statement claims mothers use their legs to defend their young. The text confirms that **mothers will fight valiantly** to keep their young alive by **kicking forward and backward**, which implies using their legs as a defense mechanism. Answer: TRUE.
- 6. FALSE
The statement claims younger bulls hold their necks higher. The text contradicts this, stating that when a **dominant older bull** appears, **younger males** instantly try to **make themselves look small and innocent**. Answer: FALSE.
- 7. TRUE
The statement says male giraffes have been observed fighting. The text confirms this by noting that **clashes have been witnessed** between adults where each **bull** uses his neck to **slam his head against his rival**. Answer: TRUE.
- 8. camouflage
The table asks what the skin/coat provides when standing near trees. The passage explicitly states the coat serves as **camouflage**, allowing them to blend in with the trees. The word grammatically fits the singular/uncountable requirement.
- 9. hands
The table states the mouth can be used like something else to get leaves. The text explains that the lips and tongue pluck leaves almost as humans would grab with their **hands**. The plural noun fits grammatically.
- 10. birth
The blank requires a noun related to a process that is made easier for mothers. The text notes that if the neck grew before early childhood, mothers would have a difficult time giving **birth**. Therefore, this development timing allows for an easier birth.
- 11. veins
The blank requires a plural noun describing what cardiovascular structure is extra strong. The text states that the outside of a giraffe's **veins** are extremely thick (extra strong) to prevent blood from leaking (spilling).
- 12. heart
The question asks what body part is a 'normal size for such a large animal.' The text mentions researchers were surprised that a giraffe does not have an unusually large **heart**, meaning it is proportionally normal in size.
- 13. signals
The blank requires a plural noun that needs to travel farther to the brain. The text explicitly explains that **signals** from the nerves have a 'greater distance they have to travel' in giraffes, explaining the slower reaction time.