Online IELTS Listening Test Section 4

SECTION FOUR

Introduction

Background on Urbanization

• Urbanisation is the growth of cities and towns due to population movement.

Key Reasons Urbanization Affects Wildlife

Habitat Fragmentation

• This is when large natural habitats get divided into smaller, isolated patches.

Pollution

• Harmful chemicals from air pollution caused by vehicles and factories affect animal respiratory systems and reduce plant life.

Artificial Light and Noise Pollution

• Noise Pollution disrupts animals’ communication, especially for birds and frogs that rely on sound to find mates and signal danger.

Adaptability of Certain Species

• These species are exceptions; most wildlife struggles to adapt to urban settings.

Conservation Efforts to Mitigate Urbanisation Effects

• These have been implemented in the Netherlands for species like foxes and badgers.

• The benefits are the provision of small habitats for birds, insects, and wildlife, which avoids collisions and offers green space.