Numeracy- Can Animals Tell Numbers? Reading Answers
Numeracy- Can Animals Tell Numbers? Reading Answers includes 14 questions which need to be answered in 20 minutes. Numeracy- Can Animals Tell Numbers? Reading Answers consisting of two types of questions. This includes sentence completion and information identification. Candidates need to skim the passage carefully to ensure that they are able to answer correctly. Candidates must read the IELTS reading passage and recognize synonyms to answer the question.
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Section1
Read the Passage to Answer the Following Questions
Numeracy- Can Animals Tell Numbers? Reading Answers
- Prime among basic numerical faculties is the ability to distinguish between a larger and a smaller number, says psychologist Elizabeth Brannon. Humans can do this with ease – providing the ratio is big enough – but do other animals share this ability? In one experiment, rhesus monkeys and university students examined two sets of geometrical objects that appeared briefly on a computer monitor. They had to decide which set contained more objects. Both groups performed successfully but, importantly, Brannon’s team found that monkeys, like humans, make more errors when two sets of objects are close in number. The students’ performance ends up looking just like a monkey’s. It’s practically identical,’ she says.
- Humans and monkeys are mammals, in the animal family known as primates. These are not the only animals whose numerical capacities rely on ratio, however. The same seems to apply to some amphibians. Psychologist Claudia Uller’s team tempted salamanders with two sets of fruit flies held in clear tubes. In a series of trials, the researchers noted which tube the salamanders scampered towards, reasoning that if they had a capacity to recognise number, they would head for the larger number. The salamanders successfully discriminated between tubes containing 8 and 16 flies respectively, but not between 3 and 4, 4 and 6, or 8 and 12. So it seems that for the salamanders to discriminate between two numbers, the larger must be at least twice as big as the smaller. However, they could differentiate between 2 and 3 flies just as well as between 1 and 2 flies, suggesting they recognise small numbers in a different way from larger numbers.
- Further support for this theory comes from studies of mosquitofish, which instinctively join the biggest shoal* they can. A team at the University of Padova found that while mosquitofish can tell the difference between a group containing 3 shoal-mates and a group containing 4, they did not show a preference between groups of 4 and 5. The team also found that mosquitofish can discriminate between numbers up to 16, but only if the ratio between the fish in each shoal was greater than 2:1. This indicates that the fish, like salamanders, possess both the approximate and precise number systems found in more intelligent animals such as infant humans and other primates.
- While these findings are highly suggestive, some critics argue that the animals might be relying on other factors to complete the tasks, without considering the number itself. ‘Any study that’s claiming an animal is capable of representing number should also be controlling for other factors,’ says Brannon. Experiments have confirmed that primates can indeed perform numerical feats without extra clues, but what about the more primitive animals?
- To consider this possibility, the mosquitofish tests were repeated, this time using varying geometrical shapes in place of fish. The team arranged these shapes so that they had the same overall surface area and luminance even though they contained a different number of objects. Across hundreds of trials on 14 different fish, the team found they consistently discriminated 2 objects from 3. The team is now testing whether mosquitofish can also distinguish 3 geometric objects from 4.
- Even more primitive organisms may share this ability. Entomologist Jurgen Tautz sent a group of bees down a corridor, at the end of which lay two chambers – one which contained sugar water, which they like, while the other was empty. To test the bees’ numeracy, the team marked each chamber with a different number of geometrical shapes – between 2 and 6. The bees quickly learned to match the number of shapes with the correct chamber. Like the salamanders and fish, there was a limit to the bees’ mathematical prowess – they could differentiate up to 4 shapes, but failed with 5 or 6 shapes.
- These studies still do not show whether animals learn to count through training, or whether they are born with the skills already intact. If the latter is true, it would suggest there was a strong evolutionary advantage to a mathematical mind. Proof that this may be the case has emerged from an experiment testing the mathematical ability of three- and four-day-old chicks. Like mosquitofish, chicks prefer to be around as many of their siblings as possible, so they will always head towards a larger number of their kin. If chicks spend their first few days surrounded by certain objects, they become attached to these objects as if they were family. Researchers placed each chick in the middle of a platform and showed it two groups of balls of paper. Next, they hid the two piles behind screens, changed the quantities and revealed them to the chick. This forced the chick to perform simple computations to decide which side now contained the biggest number of its “brothers”. Without any prior coaching, the chicks scuttled to the larger quantity at a rate well above chance. They were doing some very simple arithmetic, claim the researchers.
- Why these skills evolved is not hard to imagine, since it would help almost any animal forage for food. Animals on the prowl for sustenance must constantly decide which tree has the most fruit, or which patch of flowers will contain the most nectar. There are also other, less obvious, advantages of numeracy. In one compelling example, researchers in America found that female coots appear to calculate how many eggs they have laid – and add any in the nest laid by an intruder – before making any decisions about adding to them. Exactly how ancient these skills are is difficult to determine, however. Only by studying the numerical abilities of more and more creatures using standardised procedures can we hope to understand the basic preconditions for the evolution of number.
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Section2
Solution and Explanation
Type 1: Completing the sentence, table, or summary type of questions (Question 1 to 7):
In these types of questions, a table or summary is given. The aspirant is supposed to select not more than three words, or a number from the passage relevant to the question asked. Here, a table has to be completed.
| Animal Numeracy | ||
| Subjects included | Experiments performed | Results obtained |
|---|---|---|
| Mammals and Birds | ||
| Rhesus monkey and humans | Looked at two sets of geometrical objects on the screen. | Performance of the two groups is almost 1. ____ |
| Chicks | Choose between two sets of 2. ____ which is related | Chicks can do calculations in order to choose larger groups |
| Coots | The behaviour of 3. ____ birds was observed | The birds seem to have the ability to count eggs. |
| Amphibians, Fishes, and insects | ||
| Salamanders | Offer clear tubes containing different quantities of 4. ____ | Salamanders distinguish between numbers over four if the bigger number is at least two times larger. |
| 5. ____ | Shown real shoals and later artificial ones of geometrical shapes, these are used to check the influence of total 6. ____ and brightness | Subjects know the difference between two and three and possibly between three and four, but not between four and five. |
| Bees | Had to learn 7. ____ was stored | Could soon choose the correct place. |
Question 1:
Answer 1: Identical
Supporting Statement: In paragraph one; Both the groups performed successfully, but Brannon’s team found that monkeys, like humans, make more errors, when two sets of objects are close in number. The students’ performance ends up looking just like a monkey’s. It’s practically identical, she says.
Keywords: practically, just like, identical
Keywords location: Paragraph 1, 11th line.
Explanation: The experiment performed by the teams have proved that, the rhesus monkeys end up performing just like the students, if the two sets of objects are close in number to each other.
Question 2:
Answer 2: Balls of paper
Supporting Statement:The researchers placed each chick on a platform, in the middle, and showed it two groups of balls of paper.
Keywords: balls, paper, sets
Keywords location: Paragraph 6, 11th line
Explanation: This experiment aims to show that evolution plays a crucial role in development of a mathematical mindset amongst the subjects. Chicks prefer to be with their families and groups; hence they always move towards their largest kins. In this experiment the chicks were subjected to two paper balls. After the exposure, the weight and size of the ball was increased, and were again shown to the chicks. As a result, the chicks had to evaluate which now contains a bigger number of its kind. They automatically move towards the larger balls.
Question 3:
Answer 3: Female
Supporting Statement: In one compelling example, researchers in America found that female coots appear to calculate how many eggs they have laid – and add any in the nest laid by an intruder- before making any decisions about adding to them.
Keywords: female coots, calculate
Keywords location: Paragraph 8, 6th line.
Explanation: The experiment was performed on female birds. According to the studies, the birds tend to count the number of eggs laid by them.
Question 4:
Answer 4: Fruits Flies
Supporting Statement: Psychologist Claudia Uller’s team tempted salamanders with two sets of fruit flies held in clear tubes.
Keywords: fruit flies, salamanders
Keywords location: Paragraph B, 2nd line
Explanation: According to Psychologist Claudia, the salamanders scampered towards, reasoning that if they had a capacity to recognise the number, they would head for the larger number.
Question 5:
Answer 5: Mosquitofish
Supporting Statement: A team at the University of Padova found that while mosquitofish can tell the difference between a group containing 3 shoal-mates and a group containing 4, they did not show a preference between groups of 4 and 5.
Keywords: mosquitofish
Keywords location: Paragraph C, 2nd line
Explanation: According to the University of Padova, a group containing 3 shoal-mates and a group containing 4, did not show a preference between groups of 4 and 5.
Question 6:
Answer 6: Surface Area
Supporting Statement: The team arranged these shapes so that they had the same overall surface area and luminance even though they contained a different number of objects.
Keywords: Surface Area, luminance
Keywords location: Paragraph E, 2nd line
Explanation: The team came across hundreds of trials on 14 different fishes, the team found they consistently discriminated 2 objects from 3.
Question 7:
Answer 7: Sugar Water
Supporting Statement: Even more primitive organisms may share this ability. Entomologist Jurgen Tautz sent a group of bees down a corridor, at the end of which lay two chambers – one which contained sugar water, which they like, while the other was empty.
Keywords: sugar water
Keywords location: Paragraph F, 1st line
Explanation: According to Entomologist Jurgen Tautz sent a group of bees down a corridor, at the end of which lay two chambers.
Type 2: Information identification type: True, False, Not given (question 8 to 13):
These questions are based on the information given in the passage. Read the passage and mark true, false, and not given according to it. Mark:
- True: If the statement provided agrees with the information
- False: If the statement provided does not agree with the information
- Not given: If there is no information regarding the statement provided.
We have solved three questions for reference.
- Primates are better at identifying the larger of the two numbers if one is much bigger than the other.
- Jurgen Tauz trained the insects in his experiment to recognise the shape of individual numbers.
- The research involving young chicks took place over two separate days.
- The experiment with chicks suggests that some numerical ability exists in newborn animals.
- Researchers have experimented by altering quantities of nectar or fruits available to certain wild animals.
- When assessing the number of eggs in their nest, coots take into account those of other birds.
Question 8:
Answer 8: True
Supporting Statement: Prime among basic numerical faculties is the ability to distinguish between a larger and a smaller number, says psychologist Elizabeth Brannon. Humans (primates) can do this with ease – providing the ratio is big enough- but do other animals share this ability?
Keywords: ratio is big, smaller, larger, easier
Keywords location: Paragraph 1, 4th line.
Explanation: The studies show that primates have the ability to differentiate between two quantities, if the quantities have a big enough ratio. For example, it would be easy to differentiate between 50 liters of water and 5 liters of water, since the ratio is big. However, differentiating between 5 and 6 liters of water would be tough (by bare eyes).
Question 9:
Answer 9: False
Supporting Statement: Entomologist Jurgen Tautz sent a group of bees down a corridor, at the end of which (where) lay two chambers (place)- one which contained sugar water, which they like, while the other was empty.
Keywords: bees chamber, sugar water, like
Keywords location: Paragraph 5, 3rd line
Explanation: To test the numeracy reading for bees, the sugar was stored in different chambers, and each chamber was marked with different geometrical shapes between 2 and 6. They soon learned where the store was. They could recognise up to 4 shapes, but failed in the case of 5 or 6 shapes. He did not train them to recognise shapes, they had an inborn skill to recognise figures.
Question 10:
Answer 10: Not given
Supporting Statement: The researchers placed each chick on a platform, in the middle, and showed it two groups of balls of paper. Next, they hid the two piles behind screens, changed the quantities and revealed them to the chick. This forced the chick to perform simple computations to decide which side now contained the biggest number of its “brothers”. Without any prior coaching, the chicks scuttled to the larger quantity at a rate well above chance.
Keywords: balls, paper, sets
Keywords location: Paragraph 6, 11th line
Explanation: This experiment aims to show that evolution plays a crucial role in development of a mathematical mindset amongst the subjects. Chicks prefer to be with their families and groups; hence they always move towards their largest kins. In this experiment the chicks were subjected to two paper balls. After that, the weight and size of the ball was increased, and were again shown to the chicks. As a result, the chicks had to evaluate which now contains a bigger number of its kind. They automatically move towards the larger balls. But, it is nowhere mentioned that the procedure was completed in two separate days.
Question 11:
Answer 11: True
Supporting Statement: This forced the chick to perform simple computations to decide which side now contained the biggest number of its “brothers”. Without any prior coaching, the chicks scuttled to the larger quantity at a rate well above chance.
Keywords: Chicks
Keywords location: Paragraph 6, 11th line
Explanation: This experiment aims to show that evolution plays a crucial role in development of a mathematical mindset amongst the subjects. Chicks prefer to be with their families and groups; hence they always move towards their largest kins. In this experiment the chicks were subjected to two paper balls.
Question 12:
Answer 12: Not Given
Supporting Statement: Animals on the prowl for sustenance must constantly decide which tree has the most fruit, or which patch of flowers will contain the most nectar. There are also other, less obvious, advantages of numeracy.
Question 13:
Answer 13: True
Supporting Statement: In one compelling example, researchers in America found that female coots appear to calculate how many eggs they have laid – and add any in the nest laid by an intruder – before making any decisions about adding to them. Exactly how ancient these skills are is difficult to determine.
Keywords: eggs, female coots
Keywords location: Paragraph H, 5th line.
Explanation: According to one one compelling example, researchers in America found that female coots appear to calculate how many eggs they have laid – and add any in the nest laid by an intruder – before making any decisions about adding to them.
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