# Collecting Ant Specimens: answers and explanations

Cambridge IELTS 8, Test 4, Reading Passage 3

Source: Passage, questions and answer key from Cambridge IELTS 8, Test 4, Reading Passage 3. © Cambridge University Press & Assessment. Used for educational practice. Explanations and evidence notes are written by Testmigo.

## Answer key

| Q | Answer | Proof |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 27 | TRUE | long series, from a single nest, which contain all castes ... to allow the determination of variation within species. |
| 28 | NOT GIVEN | The taxonomist sometimes overlooks whole species in favour of those groups currently under study |
| 29 | TRUE | For ecological studies, the most important factor is collecting identifiable samples of as many of the different species present as possible. |
| 30 | FALSE | Unfortunately, these methods are not always compatible. |
| 31 | A | When possible, collections should be made from nests or foraging columns and at least 20 to 25 individuals collected. |
| 32 | C | This method works especially well in rain forests and marshy areas. |
| 33 | B | attracts species that are otherwise elusive. |
| 34 | D | they can be used to collect over a period of time with minimal maintenance and intervention. |
| 35 | A | Individual insects are placed in plastic or glass tubes |
| 36 | D | The preservative used is usually ethylene glycol or propylene glycol, as alcohol will evaporate quickly and the traps will dry out. |
| 37 | heat | often under some heat. |
| 38 | leaf litter | placing leaf litter on a screen |
| 39 | screen | on a screen over a large funnel |
| 40 | alcohol | are collected in alcohol placed below the funnel. |

## Why these answers are right

**27. TRUE.** The statement says taxonomic research compares members of one group of ants. Paragraph A says taxonomy needs long series from a single nest containing all castes, so that variation within species can be measured. Studying variation within one species means comparing its members, so TRUE.

**28. NOT GIVEN.** The statement claims taxonomists often identify new species. The passage says taxonomists sometimes overlook whole species while focusing on groups under study, but it never says how often new species are discovered or named. There is no information on this, so NOT GIVEN.

**29. TRUE.** The statement says range is the key criterion for ecological collections. Paragraph A says that for ecological studies the most important factor is collecting samples of as many different species as possible. Most important factor matches key criterion, and many species means range: TRUE.

The why and the trap for questions 30 onwards are free with an account on the [answers page](https://testmigo.com/ielts/reading/collecting-ant-specimens/answers).

[Practice Collecting Ant Specimens](https://testmigo.com/ielts/reading/collecting-ant-specimens)