TOEFL Reading Practice Test #2

Elephants are known for their intelligence, emotional depth, and complex social structures. These majestic animals, often referred to as gentle giants, form close-knit family groups led by a matriarch, usually the oldest and most experienced female. This matriarch plays a crucial role in the herd’s survival, using her knowledge of the environment, food sources, and dangers to guide the group.

Elephants communicate using a range of vocalizations, body language, and even seismic signals that can be detected through the ground. Their ability to convey information over long distances allows herds to stay connected, even when separated by several miles. This communication is vital during migrations, when elephants must find water and food across vast landscapes.

In addition to their tight family units, elephants also engage in alloparenting, where individuals other than the biological parents help care for the young. This behavior not only strengthens social bonds within the group but also ensures that calves receive constant care and protection. Young elephants learn essential skills from older members of the herd, such as foraging techniques and how to interact with other animals.

Elephants are also known for their strong memory, which plays a crucial role in their survival. They can remember the locations of water holes, safe paths, and even individuals they have met before. This memory is particularly important during dry seasons when resources are scarce, and knowing the location of a reliable water source can mean the difference between life and death.

Despite their formidable size, elephants are threatened by habitat loss, poaching, and human-wildlife conflict. Conservation efforts have been made to protect these animals, but challenges remain. Understanding their social structures and behavior is key to developing effective strategies to ensure their long-term survival.

Note: TOEFL Reading practice tests #1 to #5 on our site are slightly easier than the actual TOEFL reading passages. Visit this page for the full list of authentic practice tests that match the difficulty of the real test.