TOEFL 10 (READING PASSAGE 4) TOEFL READING PRACTICE WITH ANSWERS

 

TOEFL READING PRACTICE WITH ANSWERS TOEFL 10 (READING PASSAGE 4)

 

Question 31-40 The livelihood of each species in the vast and intricate assemblage of living things depends on the existences of other organisms. This interdependence is sometimes subtle, sometimes obvious. Perhaps the most straight forward dependence of one species on another occurs with parasites, organisms that live on or in other living things and derive nutrients directly from them. The parasitic way of life is widespread. A multitude of microorganisms( including viruses and bacteria) and an army of invertebrates – or creatures lacking a spinal column (including crustaceans, insects, and many different types of worms ) –make their livings directly at the expense of other creatures. In the face of this onslaught, living things have evolved a variety of defense mechanisms for protecting their bodies from invasion by other organisms. Certain fungi and even some kinds of bacteria secrete substances known as antibiotics into their external environment. These substances are capable of killing or inhibiting the growth of various kinds of bacteria that also occupy the area, thereby eliminating or reducing the competition for nutrients. The same principle is used in defense against invaders in other groups of organisms. For example, when attacked by disease-causing fungi or bacteria, many kinds of plants produce chemicals that help to ward off the invaders. Members of the animal kingdom have developed a variety of defense mechanisms for dealing with parasites. Although these mechanisms vary considerably, all major groups of animals are capable of detecting and reacting to the presence of "foreign" cells. In fact, throughout the animal kingdom, from sponges to certain types of worms, shellfish, and all vertebrates (creatures possessing a spinal column), there is evidence that transplants of cells or fragments of tissues into an animal are accepted only if they come from genetically compatible or closely related individuals. The ability to distinguish between "self" and "nonself", while present in all animals, is most efficient among vertebrates, which have developed an immune system as their defense mechanism. The immune system recognizes and takes action against foreign invaders and transplanted tissues that are treated as foreign cells.   31 What does the passage mainly discuss? (A) how parasites reproduce (B) how organisms react to invaders (C) how antibiotics work to cure disease (D) how the immune systems of vertebrates developed 32 The word "intricate" iii line 1 is closest in meaning to (A) difficult (B) widespread (C) critical (D) complex 33 The expression "an army" in line 6 is closest in meaning to (A) an illness (B) an attack (C) a large number (D) a distinct type 34 The expression "an army in line 6 is closest in meaning to (A) an illness (B) an attack (C) a large number (D) a distinct type 35 The word "vary" in line 19 is closest in meaning to (A) differ (B) endure (C) balance (D) contribute 36 The word "they" in line 23 refers to (A) sponges, worms and shellfish (B) vertebrates (C) individuals (D) transplants 37 According to the passage, a transplant of tissue between genetically incompatible organisms will result in the transplanted tissue (A) becoming a parasite (B) being treated as an invader (C) altering its genetic makeup (D) developing a new immune system 38 According to the passage, the ability to distinguish between "self" and "nonself" enables vertebrates to (A) accept transplanted cells (B) detect and react to invasion (C) weaken their immune system (D) get rid of antibiotics 39 All of the following ate defined in the passage EXCEPT (A) parasites(line 4) (B) invertebrates(line7) (C) nutrients (line14) (D) vertebrates(line 22) 40 The paragraph following the passage most probably discusses (A) how the immune system in vertebrate fights off foreign cells (B) different types of bacteria and lung (C) how vertebrates and invertebrates differ (D) examples of different groups of organisms

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ANSWER KEY

31.    B 32.   D 33.    C 34.   C 35.   A 36.   D 37.    B 38.   B 39.   C 40.   A