The concept of biodiversity encompasses not only the variety of species within an ecosystem but also the genetic diversity within each species and the diversity of ecosystems themselves. Recent studies indicate that biodiversity loss can disrupt ecosystem services, such as pollination and nutrient cycling, which are vital for human survival. However, conservation efforts often prioritize charismatic megafauna, overlooking less visible organisms like fungi and soil microbes that play equally critical roles. This bias, termed 'taxonomic chauvinism,' may undermine the effectiveness of conservation strategies. Researchers argue that a more holistic approach, integrating molecular techniques to assess microbial diversity, is essential for accurate ecosystem health evaluation. Such approaches could reveal hidden threats and guide more equitable resource allocation in conservation planning.
❓ According to the passage, what is a potential consequence of taxonomic chauvinism in conservation?
A. A. It leads to overemphasis on genetic diversity within species.
B. B. It may ignore important organisms that contribute to ecosystem functioning.
C. C. It reduces the need for molecular techniques in biodiversity assessment.
D. D. It ensures equitable distribution of conservation resources.
✅ 正确答案
B. It may ignore important organisms that contribute to ecosystem functioning.
IELTS Reading Tips
Skim the questions first, underline keywords, then locate in the passage
Watch for paraphrasing; correct answers are often reworded
Be wary of absolute statements (all, always, never) — usually wrong
Pay attention to content after transition words (however, but, yet)
Manage time: about 20 minutes per passage; skip difficult questions first