The Wonders of Great Migrations: IELTS Reading Passage with Questions & Answers

Introduction:

Migrations are one of nature's most awe-inspiring events, where millions of animals travel across vast distances in search of food, habitat, or breeding grounds. Understanding these great migrations not only provides insights into the resilience of wildlife but also into the environmental challenges they face. This IELTS reading passage explores the incredible journeys undertaken by various species, offering a glimpse into their world and the factors driving these mass movements.

Passage:

Each year, the skies, lands, and seas are the stages for one of the most spectacular performances on Earth: the great migrations. These journeys, often thousands of miles long, are carried out by a plethora of species, ranging from the tiniest butterfly to the largest whale.

One of the most iconic migrators is the monarch butterfly, which travels up to 3,000 miles from North America to central Mexico's forests, navigating with precision that baffles scientists. Similarly, the Arctic tern astonishes with its intercontinental odyssey, covering a staggering 25,000 miles annually.

In Africa, the thunderous hooves of over a million wildebeest resonate across the Serengeti as they follow the rains in a cyclical pilgrimage, braving predators and treacherous river crossings. The oceans are not left out of this marvel, with humpback whales journeying between polar feeding grounds and warmer tropical waters to birth and nurse their young, covering around 5,000 miles each way.

These migrations are not merely instinctual; they are survival strategies perfected over millennia. They ensure access to essential resources, maintain genetic diversity, and balance ecosystems. However, climate change, habitat destruction, and human interference pose significant threats to these migratory paths, often disrupting ancient rhythms and endangering the survival of these species.

Questions & Answers:

Q1. What is the approximate distance monarch butterflies migrate?

A) 1,000 miles

B) 2,000 miles

C) 3,000 miles

D) 4,000 miles

A1. C) 3,000 miles

Explanation: The passage states that monarch butterflies embark on a journey up to 3,000 miles to reach central Mexico, highlighting the vast distance these creatures travel.

Q2. Fill in the blank: The Arctic tern's migration covers approximately _______ miles annually.

A2. 25,000 miles

Explanation: It is mentioned in the passage that the Arctic tern covers an awe-inspiring distance of 25,000 miles every year, showcasing its remarkable migratory pattern.

Q3. True or False: Only land animals participate in great migrations.

A3. False

Explanation: The passage clearly includes the humpback whale as an example of marine animals that migrate, indicating that migrations are not exclusive to land animals.

Q4. What do wildebeest follow during their migration?

A) Predators

B) Rains

C) Stars

D) Temperature changes

A4. B) Rains

Explanation: Wildebeest are described as following the rains across the Serengeti, which dictates the timing of their migration.

Q5. Fill in the blank: Migrations ensure access to ________, maintain genetic diversity, and balance ecosystems.

A5. essential resources

Explanation: The passage concludes that migrations are strategies to ensure access to essential resources, among other critical functions for survival.

Q6. Multiple Choice: Which species travels between polar feeding grounds and tropical waters?

A) Arctic tern

B) Monarch butterfly

C) Humpback whale

D) Wildebeest

A6. C) Humpback whale

Explanation: Humpback whales are mentioned as the species that migrate from polar regions, where they feed, to tropical waters for birthing and nursing.

Q7. True or False: Climate change poses no significant threat to migratory paths.

A7. False

Explanation: The passage explicitly states that climate change is a significant threat that disrupts these migratory paths.

Q8. Fill in the blank: Monarch butterflies migrate to the forests of _______ Mexico.

A8. Central

Explanation: The passage specifies that monarch butterflies' migration destination is the forests of central Mexico.

Q9. What is the driving force behind animal migrations according to the passage?

A) Instinct

B) Survival strategies

C) Climate change

D) Human interference

A9. B) Survival strategies

Explanation: The passage indicates that migrations are survival strategies, rather than just instinctual behaviors.

Q10. True or False: The great migrations only occur on land.

A10. False

Explanation: The passage mentions migrations by sea (humpback whales) and air (Arctic terns), indicating that great migrations occur in various environments, not just on land.

IELTS Reading Exam Tips:

Tip 1: Skim the passage first to get a general understanding before diving into the questions.

Tip 2: Look for keywords in the questions that will help guide you to the relevant part of the passage for the answer.

Tip 3: Don't spend too much time on one question. If you're unsure, move on and come back to it later if you have time.

Tip 4: Practice different question types, as familiarity will help you quickly identify and understand what each question is asking.

Tip 5: Develop the ability to identify main ideas and details since many questions will ask for specific information from the passage.