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.
- cardiovascular system noun
The system that circulates blood and lymph through the body, consisting of the heart, blood vessels, and blood
The giraffe's cardiovascular system faces the unique challenge of pumping blood to a head six meters high.
- dominance noun
Power and influence over others, often established through physical size, posture, or aggressive behavior in animal groups
Older bulls display their dominance physically through their proud posture and the growth of their neck muscles.
- mimic verb
To imitate or copy the actions or behavior of another, often as a way of learning or showing respect
Younger bulls are often observed trying to mimic the impressive posture and behavior of their elders.
- native habitat noun
The natural home or environment of an animal, plant, or other organism where it normally lives and thrives
Researchers travel to sub-Saharan Africa to observe the behavior of giraffes in their native habitat.
- physiology noun
The branch of biology that deals with the normal functions of living organisms and their parts
New scientific understanding of giraffes has shed significant light on both their unique physiology and their behavior.
- preservation noun
The act or process of keeping something safe from harm or loss, particularly regarding endangered species
Researchers hope to use their findings to improve the preservation of giraffes as their habitats disappear.
- social structures noun
The internal stable index of an animal group that dictates how individuals interact and relate to one another
Recent studies have provided fascinating new insights into the complex social structures of female giraffe groups.
- sub-saharan adjective
Relating to the region of Africa south of the Sahara Desert, which is the native home of giraffes
Giraffes are found in various regions throughout sub-Saharan Africa, though their numbers are currently in decline.
- valiantly adverb
Acting with great courage or determination, especially in a difficult or dangerous situation
Mother giraffes will fight valiantly against lions to protect their vulnerable calves from being killed.
- vertebrae noun
The series of small bones forming the backbone, which in giraffes are unusually long rather than more numerous
The extraordinary height of a giraffe's neck is primarily due to the extreme length of its individual vertebrae.
Answers with explanations
- 1. TRUE
The statement is **TRUE** because it is directly supported by the text. The question highlights a recent increase in the volume of study on giraffes in their **natural environment**. This corresponds perfectly to the passage, which states that '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**.' Thus, the text confirms that research on wild giraffes has expanded significantly in recent times.
- 2. NOT GIVEN
The statement is **NOT GIVEN** because the text contains no information to confirm or deny Megan Strauss's opinions on keeping giraffes in zoos. The passage mentions that giraffes are 'a **favorite in zoos**' and notes that Strauss was surprised by the lack of scientific literature on wild giraffes. However, it does not express any view regarding whether she **disapproves** of zoos or not. Because there is no clear evidence either way, this statement must be classified as NOT GIVEN.
- 2-3: B
2: The statement is **NOT GIVEN** because the text contains no information to confirm or deny Megan Strauss's opinions on keeping giraffes in zoos. The passage mentions that giraffes are 'a **favorite in zoos**' and notes that Strauss was surprised by the lack of scientific literature on wild giraffes. However, it does not express any view regarding whether she **disapproves** of zoos or not. Because there is no clear evidence either way, this statement must be classified as NOT GIVEN.
3: The statement is **FALSE** because it directly contradicts the information given in the text. The statement claims that the number of giraffes has **nearly doubled**, whereas the passage explicitly reports that 'the population has **fallen some 40 percent**' over the past 15 years. Since a substantial decrease directly negates the assertion of an increase or doubling, the statement is completely false based on the provided text.
- 3. FALSE
The statement is **FALSE** because it directly contradicts the information given in the text. The statement claims that the number of giraffes has **nearly doubled**, whereas the passage explicitly reports that 'the population has **fallen some 40 percent**' over the past 15 years. Since a substantial decrease directly negates the assertion of an increase or doubling, the statement is completely false based on the provided text.
- 3-4: F
3: The statement is **FALSE** because it directly contradicts the information given in the text. The statement claims that the number of giraffes has **nearly doubled**, whereas the passage explicitly reports that 'the population has **fallen some 40 percent**' over the past 15 years. Since a substantial decrease directly negates the assertion of an increase or doubling, the statement is completely false based on the provided text.
4: The statement is **NOT GIVEN** because there is no clear comparison of lifespans between genders in the text. The passage states that '**female giraffes** can live 20 years or more,' but it fails to specify the average lifespan of **males** (bulls) or state whether females **tend to live longer**. Since the text provides information about female longevity but gives no data to make a comparison with males, the statement cannot be verified.
- 4. NOT GIVEN
The statement is **NOT GIVEN** because there is no clear comparison of lifespans between genders in the text. The passage states that '**female giraffes** can live 20 years or more,' but it fails to specify the average lifespan of **males** (bulls) or state whether females **tend to live longer**. Since the text provides information about female longevity but gives no data to make a comparison with males, the statement cannot be verified.
- 5. TRUE
The statement is **TRUE** because it is directly supported by the text. The question specifies that mother giraffes use their **legs** to protect their calves. The passage validates this by explaining that mothers will '**fight valiantly** to keep their young alive,' specifically by '**kicking forward and backward**' against predators like lions. Kicking is an action performed with the legs, so the text confirms that they use their limbs for defense.
- 6. FALSE
The statement is **FALSE** because it directly contradicts the text. According to the prompt, younger bulls hold their necks higher when around **more powerful males**. However, the passage notes that young bulls hold their heads high and necks puffed out only 'when **left on their own**, mimicking their elders.' Conversely, when a '**dominant older bull**' comes into view, they instantly try to '**make themselves look small and innocent**,' which means they lower themselves rather than holding their necks higher.
- 7. TRUE
The statement is **TRUE** because it is directly supported by the text. The passage states that '**clashes have been witnessed** between adults,' and goes on to describe how each bull repeatedly '**necks** the other' by using his massive neck to '**slam his head against his rival**.' This direct observation of physical combat between male bulls fully confirms that male giraffes have been seen fighting.
- 8. camouflage
The answer requires a **noun** to complete the phrase. The text states that a giraffe's coat features dark patches separated by light hair, which '**serves as camouflage**' to help them blend into the background of **acacia trees**. This matches the table's prompt about providing protection or a visual blend near trees. The noun '**camouflage**' fits both the grammatical constraint and the contextual meaning perfectly.
- 9. hands
The answer requires a **plural noun** to complete the comparison. The passage describes how a giraffe's mouth uses its lips and tongue to grasp branches and pluck leaves while avoiding thorns, acting '**almost as humans would grab with their hands**.' The table asks how the mouth can be used, and the text draws a direct parallel to human limbs. Thus, the word '**hands**' fulfills the grammatical and logical requirements.
- 10. birth
The answer requires a **noun** that describes a biological process or event. The passage notes that the neck's growth occurs during early childhood because 'giraffe mothers would have a difficult time **giving birth** to young with longer necks.' This indicates that a shorter neck at birth makes the delivery process easier. Therefore, the noun '**birth**' fits perfectly to complete the statement regarding an easier process for mothers.
- 11. veins
The answer requires a **plural noun** to identify a specific anatomical structure. The text states that 'the outside of a giraffe's **veins** are extremely thick, to prevent blood leaking into surrounding tissue.' Thick, fortified walls correspond to the description of being 'extra strong' to keep blood contained. The noun '**veins**' satisfies the grammar and completes the intended meaning.
- 12. heart
The answer requires a **noun** representing a physical feature or organ. The passage explains that researchers were surprised to discover that a giraffe does not possess an 'unusually large **heart**,' noting that it represents a standard proportion of body mass (half a percent), just like a mouse. This matches the finding of a 'normal size' for an organ. Therefore, '**heart**' is the correct term.
- 13. signals
The answer requires a **plural noun** denoting an element that travels through the nervous system. The text explicitly attributes the giraffe's slow reaction time to the fact that '**signals** from the nerves' must travel a 'greater distance... to reach the **brain**.' The noun '**signals**' perfectly fits the sentence structure and accurately explains the physiological delay caused by the animal's height.