IELTS Academic Reading Practice: Biodiversity and Ecosystem

Welcome to this IELTS Practice Reading Test on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Conservation.

This test may be available in Academic version of the test.

You will have 20 minutes to complete 7 fill-in-the-blank questions based on the provided passage.

Read carefully and answer to the best of your ability.

Academic Reading Passage

The Crucial Role of Biodiversity in Ecosystem Stability

Biodiversity, the variety of life on Earth, plays a pivotal role in maintaining the health and stability of ecosystems worldwide. From microscopic organisms to towering trees and complex animal species, each component of an ecosystem contributes to its overall functionality and resilience. The intricate web of interactions between different species forms the foundation of ecosystem services that are essential for human well-being and planetary health.

One of the primary ways biodiversity supports ecosystem stability is through redundancy. In a diverse ecosystem, multiple species often perform similar functions. This redundancy acts as a safeguard, ensuring that if one species declines or disappears, others can step in to fulfill its role. For instance, in a forest ecosystem, various tree species may contribute to carbon sequestration, nutrient cycling, and soil stabilization. If a particular tree species is affected by disease or climate change, other species can compensate, maintaining the ecosystem’s overall health.

Furthermore, biodiversity enhances ecosystem productivity. Research has shown that more diverse plant communities tend to be more productive than those with fewer species. This increased productivity is attributed to the complementary use of resources by different species, each adapted to exploit specific niches within the ecosystem. Higher productivity not only supports a greater abundance of life but also contributes to enhanced ecosystem services such as oxygen production and carbon storage.

Biodiversity also plays a crucial role in ecosystem resilience – the ability of an ecosystem to withstand and recover from disturbances. Diverse ecosystems are generally more resilient to environmental changes and extreme events such as droughts, floods, or disease outbreaks. The presence of a wide range of species with different tolerances and adaptive capacities increases the likelihood that some will survive and help the ecosystem recover in the face of adversity.

Moreover, biodiversity is integral to the provision of ecosystem services that directly benefit human societies. These services include pollination of crops, natural pest control, water purification, and climate regulation. For example, a diverse community of pollinators ensures the reproduction of many plant species, including those crucial for human food security. Similarly, a variety of predatory insects helps control agricultural pests, reducing the need for chemical pesticides.

The loss of biodiversity, therefore, poses significant risks to ecosystem stability and human well-being. Human activities such as habitat destruction, pollution, overexploitation of resources, and climate change are driving unprecedented rates of species extinction. This loss not only diminishes the beauty and wonder of the natural world but also undermines the very systems that support life on Earth.

Conservation efforts are crucial to preserving biodiversity and maintaining ecosystem stability. These efforts include protecting natural habitats, restoring degraded ecosystems, and promoting sustainable resource use. Additionally, raising awareness about the importance of biodiversity and encouraging public participation in conservation initiatives are essential steps towards safeguarding the planet’s biological richness.

In conclusion, biodiversity is not merely a measure of the variety of life on Earth; it is a fundamental pillar of ecosystem stability and human well-being. By recognizing the value of biodiversity and taking concerted action to protect it, we can ensure the continued provision of essential ecosystem services and build a more sustainable future for generations to come.

Questions

Complete the sentences below. Write NO MORE THAN ONE WORD AND/OR A NUMBER for each answer.

1. In diverse ecosystems, the presence of multiple species performing similar roles, known as ________, helps maintain stability.
2. Plant communities with greater species diversity typically exhibit higher levels of ________ compared to those with less variety.
3. An ecosystem’s capacity to endure and bounce back from disruptions is referred to as its ________.
4. The existence of various species with differing ________ and adaptive abilities enhances an ecosystem’s ability to withstand challenges.
5. The array of life forms in an area is vital for providing ecological benefits, such as crop fertilization by insects and natural ________ management.
6. Human-induced factors like habitat devastation and environmental ________ are causing species to vanish at an alarming rate.
7. Preservation initiatives involve safeguarding natural environments and advocating for the ________ utilization of natural resources.

Please write your answers in the comments below.

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For more reading practice tests, you can visit Urban Development and Consumerism.