Academic Reading Sample Passage 1

Academic Reading Passage 1 – The Hidden Life of Trees

Passage:
For centuries, trees have been considered silent, passive components of forests, but recent research suggests they are far more active and social than previously believed. Trees communicate with each other through underground fungal networks, sometimes referred to as the “Wood Wide Web.” These networks allow trees to share nutrients, warn neighboring trees about pest attacks, and even support struggling saplings by transferring essential resources.

In addition to chemical communication, trees display remarkable adaptive behaviors. When attacked by herbivores, some trees can increase the production of defensive chemicals, not only protecting themselves but also signaling other trees in the vicinity to do the same. These findings challenge the traditional view of trees as solitary organisms and suggest a complex, interdependent forest society.

The implications extend beyond academic curiosity. Understanding tree communication and support systems can help foresters develop better conservation strategies, improve reforestation efforts, and enhance ecosystem resilience against climate change.

Questions:

1. Trees have traditionally been viewed as passive organisms.

   • True

   • False

   • Not Given

2. The term “Wood Wide Web” refers to communication through the leaves of trees.

   • True

   • False

   • Not Given

3. Trees can share nutrients with neighboring saplings.

   • True

   • False

   • Not Given

4. Defensive chemicals produced by trees are always meant for their own protection only.

   • True

   • False

   • Not Given

5. Knowledge of tree communication is useful only for academic research.

   • True

   • False

   • Not Given

6. The passage implies that trees are more socially connected than once believed.

   • True

   • False

   • Not Given

7. Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a benefit of understanding tree networks?
   a) Developing better conservation strategies
   b) Improving reforestation efforts
   c) Producing more timber for industry
   d) Enhancing ecosystem resilience

8. Complete the sentence: Trees can support struggling saplings by __________.
   a) producing more leaves
   b) transferring essential resources
   c) growing taller
   d) spreading seeds

9. Matching Headings (choose the correct paragraph heading):

   • Paragraph 1:

   • Paragraph 2:

   • Paragraph 3:

10. Multiple Choice: The research discussed in the passage primarily focuses on:
    a) human impact on forests
    b) tree communication and behavior
    c) forest tourism
    d) soil composition

Answer Key:

1. True

2. False

3. True

4. False

5. False

6. True

7. c) Producing more timber for industry

8. b) transferring essential resources

9. Paragraph 1 – Trees are social organisms
   Paragraph 2 – Adaptive and defensive behaviors
   Paragraph 3 – Implications for conservation

10. b) tree communication and behavior