Saving the Skink
Read Saving the Skink and check the IELTS Reading answers. New Zealand's reptiles come in three forms: the tuatara, the geckos and the skinks. With their gleaming scales, long bodies and often surprisingly short limbs, skinks are instantly recognisable. There are more than 90 species, half of which…
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New Zealand's reptiles come in three forms: the tuatara, the geckos and the skinks. With their gleaming scales, long bodies and often surprisingly short limbs, skinks are instantly recognisable. There are more than 90 species, half of which still await formal description. Identification depends on where specimens are found, and such minutiae as the number of scales on their toes. Two of the largest species of skink – the grand and the Otago – are found only in Otago, in New Zealand's South Island. Skinks, being reptiles, need to regulate their temperature, and lie on sunny rocks to absorb heat. However, the grand and Otago are the only kinds that do not hibernate through winter; when snow can fall even in summer in Otago, there is no point in them lying dormant for extended periods. Like all other New Zealand reptiles except tuatara and the egg-laying Suter's skink, they give birth to tiny baby lizards. Today, the Otago and grand skinks are lucky to reach five years of age in the wild, although in zoos or research centres they can live beyond thirty.
Vocabulary from this passage
11 words worth learning before you sit the test, each with the sentence it appears in.
- complacency noun
A feeling of smug or uncritical satisfaction with oneself or one's achievements; lack of concern
There is no room for complacency when dealing with the conservation of critically endangered reptiles.
- delayed sexual maturity noun
A biological trait where an organism takes a long time to reach the reproductive stage of life
Species with delayed sexual maturity are often more vulnerable to extinction if survival rates are low.
- deterioration noun
The process of becoming progressively worse or declining in quality or condition over time
The deterioration of natural habitats is the primary driver of biodiversity loss in the region.
- ecosystem collapse noun
A situation where an ecosystem suffers a drastic, possibly irreversible loss of capacity to support organisms
The loss of apex predators can trigger a cascading effect that leads to total ecosystem collapse.
- eradication noun
The complete destruction or removal of something, such as a pest, disease, or predator
The eradication of invasive rats is essential for the survival of ground-nesting birds on the island.
- imminent extinction noun
The state of being about to happen or occur; the immediate threat of a species disappearing
Without urgent intervention, the Otago skink faces imminent extinction in its natural wild habitat.
- inhibiting verb
Hindering, restraining, or preventing an action or process from occurring normally
Environmental pollutants may be inhibiting the natural reproductive cycles of the local lizard population.
- lying dormant adjective
Remaining in an inactive or sleeping state for a period of time; not actively growing
Seeds can remain lying dormant in the soil for decades before finally germinating under ideal conditions.
- minutiae noun
The small, precise, or trivial details of something that are often overlooked by casual observers
Taxonomists must examine the minutiae of scale patterns to differentiate between closely related skink species.
- persist verb
To continue to exist or endure in a place; to remain despite obstacles or change
Despite the harsh conditions, several rare species of skink continue to persist in the rocky highlands.
- plight noun
A dangerous, difficult, or otherwise unfortunate situation that a group or species faces
The documentary highlighted the plight of the native lizards, raising significant public awareness for conservation.
Answers with explanations
- 27. J
The summary mentions shiny scales and **small legs**. The text describes **short limbs**, which corresponds to **small legs** (Option J). Answer: J.
- 28. E
The summary says they are controlled by [blank]. The text says they need to **absorb heat** to regulate temperature. This corresponds to **body heat** (Option E). Answer: E.
- 29. F
The summary says they do not require a long [blank]. The text states they do not **hibernate** or lie **dormant**, which corresponds to **winter sleep** (Option F). Answer: F.
- 30. B
The summary says identification depends on their [blank]. The text states it depends on **where specimens are found**, which corresponds to **location** (Option B). Answer: B.
- 31. G
The summary says in [blank] they live for about 30 years. The text mentions **zoos or research centres**, which corresponds to **captivity** (Option G). Answer: G.
- 32. NO
The statement claims the project **stopped the decline**. The text states there were **further declines** despite the capture of cats. Answer: NO.
- 33. NO
The statement claims infections have a **serious effect**. The text explicitly states **no direct health implications have been detected**. Answer: NO.
- 34. YES
The statement claims the **best habitat** is **unknown**. The text confirms researchers **haven't a clue** to the habitat they should be recreating. Answer: YES.
- 35. NOT GIVEN
The statement suggests skinks **used to have larger numbers of young**. The text mentions their current low breeding rate (two offspring) but does **not compare** this to historical numbers. Answer: NOT GIVEN.
- 36. YES
The statement says **common species** may be at **risk**. The text states that even **common species** may be facing a **doubtful future**. Answer: YES.
- 37. C
The paragraph predicts they have **less than six years** left and it is a **close call**. This supports the option that there is a **considerable risk** DOC will not succeed in saving them. Answer: C.
- 38. A
The writer mentions a **complication** (problem) was that the two species have **different environmental preferences** (habitats) that needed catering for within the fence. Answer: A.
- 39. D
The phrase **last resort** contrasts with the stated **priority**, which is to protect skinks in the **wild**. This expresses a **preference** for conserving them in their **natural environment**. Answer: D.
- 40. C
The paragraph describes a **conservation scheme** (COET, fence) being set up on **grazing land** (farmland) with a farmer's support. Answer: C.