Lemur Species IELTS Reading Passage: Key Insights and Answers

Latest Update: Starting May 1, 2025, IELTS test-takers found guilty of serious violations, such as impersonation or forgery, will face a global ban of up to five years.

The Lemur Species passage in the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Reading section can be challenging for many Indian students. With only 20 minutes to answer 13 questions, quickly identifying key information and managing complex question types requires effective strategies. 

Without the right approach, time pressure can hurt performance. Only 17% of Indian students score a Band 7, and 6% reach a Band 8 in the IELTS. The reading section, including the Lemur Species passage, often causes a loss of points. Knowing the types of questions and effective strategies can help improve your score.

This blog guides you through common question types, important vocabulary, common mistakes, and useful resources to improve your performance in this section.

Common Question Types in the Lemur Species IELTS Reading Passage

The Lemur Species IELTS Reading Passage typically consists of 13 questions to be answered in 20 minutes. It offers an overview of different lemur species, focusing on their characteristics, habitats, and behaviors. The language is straightforward, making it easier to locate specific details. 

Understanding the main idea of each section makes tackling the multiple-choice and Summary Completion questions easier. To succeed, familiarize yourself with common question types in the Lemur Species passage and practice similar texts to enhance your time management and information retrieval skills.

Below is an overview of the most common IELTS academic reading question types you'll encounter in this passage:

IELTS Reading Question Type	Skill Assessed
Sentence Completion	Locating specific details and fitting them contextually into the sentence.
Multiple Choice	Identifying and interpreting explicit details and selecting the most valid option.
Matching Headings/Information	Linking each section to its central idea or detail about a lemur species.
Summary Completion	Synthesizing information from various sections about lemur behaviors and habitats.
True/False/Not Given	Distinguishing factual information, contradictions, or missing details.

Having covered the common question types in the IELTS Reading section, let's now take a closer look at how these are applied in various IELTS test formats, specifically focusing on passages about the Lemur Species.

IELTS Reading Passages on Lemur Species

The Lemur Species IELTS Reading Passage helps you improve reading skills by testing your ability to understand detailed information about lemur species, their characteristics, behavior, and adaptations. With around 700 words, it requires attention to scientific terminology and the writer's perspective on conservation challenges.

The passage provides factual details and examples to highlight the importance of lemurs in biodiversity and conservation efforts. Understanding the key points and terminology is essential for answering the questions. 

Here is a breakdown of the IELTS general reading passage on the Lemur Species:

Passage A:

The aye-aye, a nocturnal primate native to Madagascar, is one of the most unusual and misunderstood animals. With its eerie appearance, including large, bat-like ears, glowing eyes, and elongated middle fingers, the aye-aye has long been linked to local superstitions. In many Malagasy communities, it is seen as a symbol of death, leading to its persecution. Scientifically named Daubentonia madagascariensis, it is the only surviving member of its genus and family, making it a key focus for conservation efforts. Unlike the daytime-active ring-tailed lemur (Lemur catta), which is social and has a distinctive striped tail, the aye-aye's solitary and nocturnal nature sets it apart from most lemur species.

Passage B:

The aye-aye's physical traits are specially adapted to its night-time lifestyle. Adult aye-ayes weigh about 2–3 kg, with a body length of 30–40 cm and a tail nearly as long as their body. Their most remarkable feature is the long, bony middle finger, which they use to tap on tree bark and extract insect larvae. Combined with rodent-like teeth that grow continuously, this specialized finger allows the aye-aye to fill a role similar to that of woodpeckers. This behavior contrasts with that of the indri lemur (Indri indri), the largest living lemur, which uses powerful legs for jumping and loud vocalizations to communicate in dense forests.

Passage C:

Aye-ayes live in rainforests and deciduous forests across Madagascar's eastern and northwestern regions. They are highly arboreal, spending most of their time in trees, where they create spherical nests from twigs and leaves. These nests are often moved or reused, reflecting the aye-aye's nomadic tendencies. Once found throughout the island, habitat loss has now restricted them to isolated forest areas. Unlike Coquerel's sifaka (Propithecus coquereli), which lives in dry forests and is known for its sideways leaping, aye-ayes are more adaptable, sometimes venturing into plantations or disturbed woodlands for food.

Passage D:

The aye-aye's foraging behavior is a remarkable example of evolution. Using a method called “percussive foraging,” it taps on tree trunks with its middle finger, listening for hollow sounds that suggest the presence of grubs beneath the bark. After finding these, it gnaws a hole and extracts the larvae using its finger. This technique is unique among primates and resembles echolocation. Their diet also includes fruits, seeds, and nectar, making them important seed dispersers for Madagascar's plants. In contrast, the red ruffed lemur (Varecia rubra) specializes in fruit and plays a crucial role in pollinating rare plants, like the traveler's palm.

Passage E:

Socially, aye-ayes are solitary and territorial. Males control large home ranges that overlap with several females, but interactions are infrequent outside mating periods. They communicate using scent markings and vocalizations, such as high-pitched screeches and grunts. This is in stark contrast to the common brown lemur (Eulemur fulvus), which lives in mixed groups of up to 12 individuals and relies on complex vocal and visual communication to maintain social bonds.

Passage F:

Studies of aye-aye intelligence show impressive problem-solving abilities, particularly in their use of tools. In captivity, they have been observed using sticks to fish for food, showing cognitive flexibility. However, due to their solitary nature, social learning is unlikely in the wild. Researchers believe that their unique foraging strategy demands advanced spatial memory and auditory processing, traits that set them apart in evolutionary terms. Similarly, the gray mouse lemur (Microcebus murinus), one of the smallest primates, also displays problem-solving skills but depends on social networks for survival.

Passage G:

Classified as Endangered by the IUCN, the aye-aye faces serious threats. Deforestation for agriculture and logging has destroyed over 50% of Madagascar's forests since the 1950s. Additionally, the animal's association with superstition and the illegal pet trade further jeopardizes its population. Conservation initiatives include restoring habitats, educating local communities to correct myths, and establishing breeding programs in protected areas like Nosy Mangabe. Ecotourism efforts now highlight the aye-aye as a symbol of Madagascar's biodiversity, providing hope for its survival amid environmental challenges. Similar conservation work has helped the black-and-white ruffed lemur (Varecia variegata), another critically endangered species.

With a clear understanding of the Lemur Species passage, it's time to focus on how to approach and answer the specific questions in the IELTS reading answers: "Lemur Species."

IELTS Reading Answers: "Lemur Species" Explained

This passage has 13 questions across three IELTS types: Matching Information to Paragraphs (1-6), Short Answer Questions (7-10), and Multiple Choice Questions (11-13). Each test assesses the ability to locate information, understand details, identify main ideas, and make inferences. 

The first set matches information to paragraphs, while the others assess detailed comprehension and the extraction of specific information. Here’s a breakdown of each question type with IELTS reading answers: "Lemur Species."

Matching Information to Paragraphs (Questions 1-6)

In this task, you identify which paragraph contains specific information, testing your ability to scan quickly and understand main ideas. Matching details to paragraphs sharpens your reading speed and comprehension, which is essential for your IELTS exam preparation. 

Let's look at each of these six questions and explore how to approach them.

Q1: A comparison with another lemur species known for its social behavior.

Focus: Identifying a paragraph that contrasts the aye-aye's social habits with those of another lemur.

Strategy: Scan each paragraph for mentions of other lemur species and descriptions of their social behavior.

Impact: Enhances your ability to recognize comparative details and understand contrasts in behavior, which is crucial for accurate paragraph matching.

Answer: A Explanation: Paragraph A compares the aye-aye's "solitary and nocturnal nature" with the "daytime-active ring-tailed lemur (Lemur catta), which is social." This direct comparison highlights the differing social behaviors of these two species.

Q2: Details of the aye-aye's nest construction and movement patterns.

Focus: Locating a paragraph that describes how aye-ayes build nests and their general movement style.

Strategy: Look for keywords related to nests and movement.

Impact: Enhances ability to locate descriptive details about behavior, boosting precision in scanning tasks.

Answer: C Explanation: Paragraph C explains how the aye-aye "creates spherical nests from twigs and leaves" and mentions their "nomadic tendencies," indicating their habit of reusing or relocating nests.

Q3: An explanation of the unique way the aye-aye finds food.

Focus: Identifying the paragraph that describes the aye-aye's distinctive foraging technique.

Strategy: Search for descriptions of how the aye-aye finds food, particularly any unusual methods.

Impact: Develops skill in identifying specific behavioral details, essential for answering detailed comprehension questions.

Answer: D Explanation: Paragraph D details the aye-aye's "percussive foraging" method, where it taps on tree trunks with its middle finger to find grubs.

Q4: A description of the threats facing the aye-aye population.

Focus: Locating a paragraph that outlines the dangers and challenges affecting the aye-aye's survival.

Strategy: Look for phrases related to endangerment, decline, and negative impacts.

Impact: Develops the ability to identify problem-related information, essential for addressing questions about challenges or risks.

Answer: G Explanation: Paragraph G discusses threats such as "deforestation for agriculture and logging," as well as "superstition" and the "illegal pet trade."

Q5: A mention of the aye-aye's classification within the animal kingdom.

Focus: Identifying a paragraph that provides the scientific classification or unique taxonomic position of the aye-aye.

Strategy: Look for scientific names or descriptions of its place in the biological hierarchy.

Impact: Strengthens recognition of scientific information, improving accuracy in factual identification.

Answer: A Explanation: Paragraph A states that the aye-aye is "scientifically named Daubentonia madagascariensis, and is the only surviving member of its genus and family."

Q6: Evidence suggesting the aye-aye possesses problem-solving skills.

Focus: Locating a paragraph that describes any observations or studies indicating the aye-aye's intelligence or ability to solve problems.

Strategy: Look for terms like "intelligence," "problem-solving," "cognitive," or descriptions of learned behaviors.

Impact: Enhances your ability to identify evidence of cognitive traits, crucial for inference-based questions.

Answer: F Explanation: Paragraph F mentions that studies show the aye-aye's "problem-solving abilities," including using tools to fish for food in captivity.

Also Read: IELTS Plan for 1 Month – A Complete Preparation Strategy

After covering how to match information to specific paragraphs, let's now turn our attention to the short answer questions. These questions will test your ability to extract precise details from the passage while keeping your answers concise.

Short Answer Questions (Questions 7-10)

Short Answer Questions test your ability to quickly find and summarize key details using no more than two words. Developing this skill enhances accuracy and ultimately improves your IELTS reading score. 

Let's go through each of these questions and discuss how to approach them.

Q7: What type of teeth does the aye-aye possess?

Focus: Identify the specific description of the aye-aye’s teeth.

Strategy: Scan Paragraph B for anatomical or dental references. Look for distinctive terms related to teeth.

Impact: Enhances your ability to extract precise anatomical details quickly, a key skill for accuracy in short-answer questions.

Answer: rodent-like teeth Explanation: Paragraph B mentions "rodent-like teeth that grow continuously," which directly answers the question.

Q8: What is the aye-aye's primary activity period?

Focus: Identify the primary time frame during which the aye-aye is active.

Strategy: Search Paragraph A for terms related to activity patterns or time of day. Keywords like "nocturnal" are crucial.

Impact: Strengthens understanding of key behavioral details, which are essential for summarizing core facts.

Answer: night-time Explanation: Paragraph A describes the aye-aye as "a nocturnal primate," indicating its primary activity period is at night.

Q9: What term describes the aye-aye's tendency to move around?

Focus: Locate a phrase that explains the aye-aye’s movement behavior.

Strategy: Look in Paragraph C for descriptions of mobility or movement habits. Focus on adjectives or phrases that characterize this trait.

Impact: Builds skill in identifying behavioral traits through specific vocabulary, improving detail recognition.

Answer: nomadic tendencies Explanation: Paragraph C mentions, "reflecting the aye-aye's nomadic tendencies," describing its movement behavior.

Q10: What is the aye-aye's method of listening for grubs called?

Focus: Identify the specialized foraging technique described.

Strategy: In Paragraph D, look for terms related to feeding or foraging, especially unique or named methods.

Impact: Develops your ability to spot unique processes or methods, essential for answering detailed comprehension questions.

Answer: percussive foraging Explanation: Paragraph D introduces the method as "percussive foraging," where the aye-aye taps on tree trunks to find grubs.

Having reviewed short-answer questions, we now proceed to multiple-choice questions. This section will require you to make inferences and select the best answer based on the overall understanding of the passage.

Multiple Choice Questions (Questions 11-13)

Multiple-choice questions in the IELTS Reading section can be challenging, as they require more than just a surface-level understanding. These questions test your ability to grasp implied meanings, draw inferences, and evaluate information holistically. 

To achieve a high IELTS band score, it's crucial to carefully assess the entire passage and select the most accurate answer, not just the one that seems obvious. Here is a breakdown of each multiple-choice question, along with a review on how to tackle them effectively.

Q11: According to the passage, the aye-aye's diet includes:

A. Primarily other primates.
B. Only insect larvae.
C. Fruits, seeds, and nectar.
D. Grasses and leaves.

Answer: C Explanation: Paragraph D states, "Their diet also includes fruits, seeds, and nectar," making option C the most accurate choice.

Q12: Male aye-ayes typically interact with females:

A. Constantly within their social groups.
B. Infrequently, mainly during mating periods.
C. To cooperatively raise offspring.
D. To establish dominance hierarchies.

Answer: B Explanation: Paragraph E explains that male aye-ayes "interact infrequently, mainly during mating periods," making option B correct.

Q13: Conservation efforts for the aye-aye include:

A. Primarily relocating them to other countries.
B. Ignoring local superstitions.
C. Habitat restoration and community education.
D. Encouraging their use as pets.

Answer: C Explanation: Paragraph G describes efforts to restore habitats and educate local communities about the aye-aye, making option C the correct choice.

After breaking down the IELTS reading answers: "Lemur Species," let's examine the key vocabulary to help you better understand the Lemur Species passage.

Key Vocabulary from the Lemur Species IELTS Reading Passage

The “Lemur Species” passage features a variety of formal and scientific vocabulary related to primates, conservation, and behavioral studies. Understanding these terms is crucial for accurately answering questions, as many of them are central to the key concepts discussed in the passage. 

These words might also appear in multiple-choice options or distractors, so being familiar with their meanings and context will help you make better choices. 

Here is a list of essential vocabulary from the Lemur Species passage, along with their meanings and how they are used in context.

Term	Meaning	Contextual Usage
Endemic	Native to a specific region or environment	"The ring-tailed lemur is endemic to the island of Madagascar, making it unique to this region."
Arboreal	Living in or among trees	"Aye-ayes are arboreal animals, spending most of their time in the treetops."
Nocturnal	Active during the night	"The aye-aye is a nocturnal primate, primarily active after sunset."
Foraging	Searching for food	"The lemurs spend hours foraging for fruit, seeds, and nectar in the forest canopy."
Solitary	Living or existing alone	"Unlike the social ring-tailed lemur, the aye-aye is solitary and rarely seen in groups."
Species	A group of organisms capable of interbreeding and producing fertile offspring	"There are over 100 different lemur species, each with unique characteristics."
Conservation	The protection and preservation of wildlife	"Conservation efforts are essential to protect the aye-aye, as it faces several threats."
Endangered	At risk of becoming extinct	"The aye-aye is listed as endangered due to habitat loss and human interference."
Superstition	A belief not based on scientific fact, often irrational	"Local superstitions regarding the aye-aye have contributed to its persecution."
Vocalizations	The sounds made by animals to communicate	"Lemurs communicate using vocalizations such as screeches and grunts."
Echolocation	A method of locating objects by reflecting sound	"The aye-aye uses echolocation by tapping on tree trunks to find hidden food."

In addition to individual terms, IELTS also assesses your understanding of how words are used in combination. Recognizing significant collocations and phrases is key to better comprehension of the passage. 

Important Collocations and Phrases in the Lemur Species IELTS Reading Passage 

In the Lemur Species IELTS Reading Passage, certain collocations and phrases are frequently used. Familiarity with these combinations will not only help you understand the main points more easily but also improve your ability to answer related questions accurately. 

Below is a list of essential collocations and phrases to focus on:

Collocation / Phrase	Meaning
Habitat loss	The destruction or degradation of natural living environments
Endangered species	A species that is at risk of extinction due to various factors
Conservation efforts	Actions taken to protect and preserve species and their habitats
Nutritional needs	The dietary requirements essential for survival and growth
Social structure	The organization or hierarchy within a group of animals
Primarily active	The period during which an animal is most active
Solitary behavior	The tendency of some animals to live and act alone rather than in groups
Ecological niche	The role an organism plays within its environment
Cognitive abilities	Mental capabilities related to understanding, learning, and problem-solving
Increased risk	A heightened chance of harm or danger to a species
Arboreal habitats	Environments that are located in trees or high up in the canopy
Territorial disputes	Conflicts that arise when animals defend their living areas from others
Critical conservation	Actions or strategies that are essential for the survival of endangered species
Habitat Fragmentation	The process of large habitats being divided into smaller, isolated sections.

Also Read: Tips to Improve Pronunciation for IELTS

Now that you understand the key vocabulary words, let's look at common mistakes to avoid in the IELTS reading passage on the Lemur Species.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in the Lemur Species IELTS Reading Passage

Performing well in the IELTS Reading section, especially with detailed topics like lemur species, requires avoiding common errors that can reduce your score. Recognizing these mistakes will help you answer questions more accurately and with greater confidence. Here are some essential points to keep in mind:

• Overlooking Specific Details: The passage includes many precise facts about various lemur species. Paying close attention to unique behaviors, features, and habitats is essential for selecting the correct answers.

Tip: Make sure to underline or highlight key details as you read through the passage to help identify essential facts related to specific lemur species.

• Ignoring Word Limits in Short Answer Questions: Some questions specify a word limit, such as “no more than two words.” Writing beyond this limit may result in penalties, so please follow the instructions carefully.

Tip: Practice answering short-answer questions with strict word limits during your preparation to develop a habit of sticking to the required word count.

• Confusing Similar Lemur Species: Several lemur species are discussed, and it’s easy to mix up their traits. Focus on the distinguishing characteristics, like the aye-aye’s extended middle finger or the ring-tailed lemur’s marked tail, to avoid confusion.

Tip: Create a comparison chart of lemur species with their distinct features to help you remember key differences and avoid mix-ups.

• Misunderstanding Question Types: Each question format tests different skills. Ensure you understand what each question is asking before answering.

Tip: Familiarize yourself with the different question types and practice with sample questions to sharpen your ability to tackle each format effectively.

• Not Managing Time Effectively: Time is limited, and spending too much time on one question can prevent you from completing the section. Practice pacing yourself so you can answer all questions without rushing.

Tip: Set a time limit for each set of questions during practice sessions to help you build the habit of managing your time properly during the actual test.

• Failing to Review Answers: If time permits, always review your answers. A quick check can catch mistakes or misread information.

Tip: Leave the last few minutes to review your answers, especially for tricky questions that you were uncertain about.

• Not Practicing with Similar Passages: Regular practice with texts on various topics helps improve reading skills and prepares you for different question types and vocabulary.

Tip: Incorporate a wide variety of reading materials into your practice routine, focusing on topics ranging from wildlife to architecture, to become accustomed to different kinds of vocabulary and styles.

Also Read: How To Reduce Spelling Mistakes In English While Writing?-IELTS

Avoiding these common mistakes is a key step toward achieving a good IELTS score. Next, let’s explore helpful resources to help you practice IELTS Reading passages efficiently.

Best Resources to Practice IELTS Reading Passages Like Lemur Species

To effectively prepare for IELTS reading passages, such as the Lemur Species passage, it's essential to engage with resources that challenge your understanding of scientific vocabulary and complex concepts. 

Practicing with materials that include detailed descriptions and technical language will help you strengthen your reading skills. 

Here are some excellent resources to help you work towards achieving a good IELTS score:

Resource	Description
IELTS Reading Test	Focuses on academic reading practice with detailed passages, similar to those in the "Lemur Species" section. Helps you get comfortable with managing information-heavy texts.
IELTS Online Coaching	Offers structured preparation with personalized support, helping you understand challenging scientific terms and ideas related to memory and primates.
Free IELTS Exam Preparation Material	Provides a variety of practice materials that focus on improving accuracy, especially with fact-based and sentence completion questions found in memory-related passages.
IELTS Preparation Videos	Features strategy-based video lessons that break down complex question types, using examples from cognitive science and memory research that align with the "Lemur Species" passage.

Also Read: List of Documents Required for IELTS Exam & Tips to Register

Along with these resources, upGrad's expert-led training provides additional support to help you refine your skills and boost your confidence in tackling IELTS reading passages. Here's how upGrad can help you excel in your IELTS preparation.

How Can upGrad Help You With IELTS Reading Passages?

upGrad's IELTS Reading training is designed to help you tackle challenging passages, such as those on the Lemur Species. You'll learn strategies to approach complex texts more effectively.

With timed practice sets, you'll improve your ability to manage time during the test. This will help you stay on track and finish each section within the given time.

You'll also receive personalized feedback to pinpoint areas for improvement. upGrad's tailored advice will help you achieve your IELTS goal, whether it's a Band 7 or a Band 9.

You'll also receive personalized feedback to pinpoint areas for improvement. upGrad's tailored advice will help you achieve your IELTS goal, whether it's a Band 7 or a Band 9. Book a free 1:1 session with upGrad experts today to get started!