(Filling in the blanks based on the research of Daly and Shields) Fruit flies (Used in experiments regarding scent and behavior) (The source of certain alkaloids studied by Daly) (Specifically the Poison Dart frog species) Painkillers (The medical application of the discovered epibatidine) Antibiotics (Potential use for the peptides found in frog skin) Questions 12–13: Multiple Choice
The article is a common IELTS reading passage that focuses on combinatorial chemistry —a method used primarily in the pharmaceutical industry to rapidly synthesize and test large numbers of different compounds. Summary of the Article
Need more practice? Download three free full-length reading passages on chemical ecology with answer keys here.
It sounds like you’re looking for a breakdown of the popular IELTS Reading passage which explores the fascinating history of synthetic dyes —specifically William Perkin’s accidental discovery of mauveine.