Ants: Tiny Insects with Complex Societies
Ants are among the most successful insects on Earth, inhabiting almost every continent except Antarctica. Scientists estimate that there are more than 12,000 known species, although new species continue to be discovered. Ant colonies vary greatly in size, ranging from a few dozen individuals to millions of members.
Most ant colonies consist of one or more queens, female workers, and male ants. The queen's primary function is reproduction, while worker ants perform tasks such as gathering food, caring for young ants, defending the nest, and maintaining tunnels. Male ants usually live for only a short period and mainly participate in reproduction.
Ants communicate in several ways. One of the most common methods involves chemicals known as pheromones. When a worker ant finds food, it often leaves a chemical trail on its return journey to the nest. Other ants can follow this trail and reinforce it if they also discover food. Scientists have found that some species additionally communicate through touch and vibrations.
Certain species display remarkable farming behavior. Leafcutter ants, for example, cut pieces of leaves and carry them underground. However, they do not consume the leaves directly. Instead, they use them to cultivate a special type of fungus, which serves as their primary food source. Researchers believe this practice began millions of years ago.
Ants are also known for their ability to cooperate. Army ants can form living bridges using their own bodies, allowing nestmates to cross gaps and obstacles. Experiments have shown that ants can adjust the size of these bridges according to changing conditions, although scientists are still studying how individual ants make such decisions.
Despite their success, ants face numerous threats, including habitat destruction, flooding, and invasive species. Conservationists suggest that preserving natural habitats may help protect ant populations, but little is known about how climate change will affect many ant species in the future.
Questions 1–12
Do the following statements agree with the information given in the passage?
TRUE if the statement agrees with the passage
FALSE if the statement contradicts the passage
NOT GIVEN if there is no information about this
Questions
1. Ants can be found on every continent except Antarctica.
2. Scientists have identified all ant species that exist today.
3. Some ant colonies contain more than one queen.
4. Worker ants spend most of their time reproducing.
5. Pheromones are the only method ants use to communicate.
6. Leafcutter ants eat the leaves they collect.
7. Scientists know precisely how ants decide to join living bridges.
8. Habitat destruction is considered a threat to ant populations.
9. The average lifespan of a queen ant is several years.
10. Some ant species communicate through physical contact.
11. Climate change has already caused major declines in ant populations worldwide.
12. Male ants are involved in reproduction.
Summary
This IELTS reading passage explores the fascinating world of ants and their complex societies. It discusses colony structure, communication through pheromones, farming behavior of leafcutter ants, cooperation among army ants, and the threats ants face in the wild. The passage includes twelve True, False, and Not Given questions to help learners improve their IELTS reading comprehension skills.