Cambridge IELTS 15 · Academic · Test 2 · Passage 2
Should We Try To Bring Extinct Species Back To Life? — IELTS Reading Answers
All 13 answers for Should We Try To Bring Extinct Species Back To Life?, Cambridge IELTS 15 Academic Reading Test 2 Passage 2, with the passage evidence and an explanation for each.
← All Cambridge 15 Test 2 answers
Should We Try To Bring Extinct Species Back To Life? answer key at a glance
Questions 14–26. Tap an answer to see the evidence.
What this passage tests
This passage is tested with Matching Information (Q14–17), Summary Completion (Q18–22), Matching Features (Q23–26). Each section below gives the strategy for that question type, the answers, and the sentence that proves them.
Questions 14–17: Matching Information
Strategy: Scan for the idea, not the exact words. The answer is a paragraph letter, and one paragraph may be used more than once unless the instructions say otherwise.
a reference to how further disappearance of multiple species could be avoided.
“how we could use it to make genetic modifications which could prevent mass extinctions in the future”
F: paragraph F discusses using the technology to 'prevent mass extinctions in the future', avoiding further species losses.
explanation of a way of reproducing an extinct animal using the DNA of only that species
“The basic premise involves using cloning technology to turn the DNA of extinct animals into a fertilised embryo, which is carried by the nearest relative still in existence – in this case, the abundant band-tailed pigeon – before being born as a living, breathing animal.”
A: paragraph A turns ‘the DNA of extinct animals into a fertilised embryo’, carried by the nearest living relative, so the DNA used is the extinct species’ own.
reference to a habitat which has suffered following the extinction of a species
“Since the disappearance of this key species, ecosystems in the eastern US have suffered, as the lack of disturbance caused by thousands of passenger pigeons wrecking trees and branches means there has been minimal need for regrowth.”
D: paragraph D says 'ecosystems in the eastern US have suffered' since the passenger pigeon disappeared, the habitat affected.
mention of the exact point at which a particular species became extinct
“Sadly, the passenger pigeon’s existence came to an end on 1 September 1914, when the last living specimen died at Cincinnati Zoo.”
A: paragraph A records the pigeon's existence ending 'on 1 September 1914', the exact extinction date requested.
Questions 18–22: Summary Completion
Strategy: Read the summary as a paragraph first to establish the logic, then locate the missing idea in the passage. With a lettered list, confirm the grammar fits.
“By pinpointing which genetic traits made it possible for mammoths to survive the icy climate of the tundra, the project’s goal is to return mammoths, or a mammoth-like species, to the area”
The project pinpoints 'which genetic traits made it possible for mammoths to survive the icy climate', so genetic traits is needed.
“all for the purpose of reducing heat loss in the tundra”
All the adaptations served 'the purpose of reducing heat loss in the tundra', the phrase the summary requires.
“Necessary adaptations would include smaller ears”
Necessary adaptations 'would include smaller ears', so ears is the body part named.
“extra insulating fat”
The list includes 'extra insulating fat', so fat is the substance required.
“This grass growth would reduce temperature, and mitigate emissions from melting permafrost”
Grass growth would 'mitigate emissions from melting permafrost', so emissions is what would be reduced.
Questions 23–26: Matching Features
Strategy: Match the statement to the named person or thing. Names can repeat, so check each option against what that person actually says.
Reintroducing an extinct species to its original habitat could improve the health of a particular species living there.
“The return of thylacines to Tasmania could help to ensure that devils are never again subjected to risks of this kind”
B fits: returning thylacines to Tasmania 'could help to ensure that devils are never again subjected to risks of this kind'.
It is important to concentrate on the causes of an animal’s extinction.
“She prefers to focus the debate on how this emerging technology could be used to fully understand why various species went extinct in the first place”
C fits the researcher who prefers 'to focus the debate on how this emerging technology could be used to fully understand why various species went extinct'.
A species brought back from extinction could have an important beneficial impact on the vegetation of its habitat.
“According to Novak, a hybridized band-tailed pigeon, with the added nesting habits of a passenger pigeon, could, in theory, re-establish that forest disturbance, thereby creating a habitat necessary for a great many other native species to thrive”
A fits Novak's point that a hybridized pigeon could 're-establish that forest disturbance', letting 'a great many other native species thrive'.
Our current efforts at preserving biodiversity are insufficient.
“We know that what we are doing today is not enough”
C fits the admission that 'what we are doing today is not enough', confirming current conservation efforts are insufficient.
Learn the question types in this passage
Frequently asked questions
Where does the Should We Try To Bring Extinct Species Back To Life? passage come from?
It is Passage 2 of Cambridge IELTS 15 Academic Reading Test 2, and it covers Questions 14–26.
What question types appear in Should We Try To Bring Extinct Species Back To Life??
The passage is tested with Matching Information, Summary Completion, Matching Features. Each type is explained on this page, alongside the answers.
Are these reading answers reliable?
Every answer is paired with the sentence that proves it, so you can check each one against the passage yourself. Use the page after a timed attempt, not instead of one.
Cambridge IELTS is published by Cambridge University Press & Assessment. Band9Prep is not affiliated with Cambridge. This page is an independent study aid: it gives the answer key, the passage evidence and an explanation so you can review an attempt you have already made.