Vocabulary:
- renowned /ri-NOUND /
- underlying /UHN-der-lahy-ing/
- speculate /SPEK-yuh-leyt/
- hypothesis /hahy-POTH-uh-sis/
- devise /dih-VAHYZ /
[adjecive] – famous for something
The renowned scientist received international recognition for his groundbreaking research on renewable energy sources.
[adjective] – real but not immediately obvious
Understanding the underlying principles of mathematics is essential for solving complex problems in algebra and geometry.
[verb] – to guess possible answers to a question when you do not have enough information to be certain
As scientists, we can speculate about the possible outcomes of the experiment based on the data we’ve collected so far.
[noun] – an idea or explanation for something that is based on known facts but has not yet been proved
Before conducting the experiment, the students formed a hypothesis, predicting that increased sunlight would help the plants grow taller.
[verb] – to invent a plan, system, object, etc., usually using your intelligence or imagination
In order to solve the challenging puzzle, the students had to devise a strategy that involved carefully arranging the pieces in a specific order.
Article reading:
Orcas, the apex predators of the ocean, are renowned for their intelligence and social behavior. However, in recent years, there has been a surge in reports of orcas ramming into boats, raising concerns among scientists and sailors alike. This peculiar behavior is perplexing researchers who are striving to unravel the underlying reasons. Some speculate that the increasing number of interactions between humans and orcas may be a factor. As boats become more prevalent in their habitats, orcas could be reacting to this intrusion out of curiosity, territorial defense, or even frustration. Understanding the motives behind these interactions is crucial for safety. One hypothesis suggests orca pods communicate through ramming, indicating social structure or rivalry. Researchers aim to decode these dynamics and gain insights into the orca world. Scientists are delving into the connection between food supply, environmental shifts, and orcas’ antics, hoping to unravel the underlying ecological puzzle behind these unsettling encounters and devise solutions to preserve their majestic existence.
In summary, the recent incidents of orcas ramming boats have raised scientific interest and concern. Factors like increased human interaction, complex social dynamics, and environmental changes may contribute to this strange behavior. More research and observation are needed to understand the reasons behind these encounters and to ensure the safety of both humans and orcas moving forward.
Discussion Questions:
- Have you ever heard about orcas ramming boats before reading this article? If yes, what were your initial thoughts about this behavior? If not, what surprises you the most about this phenomenon?
- Imagine you were a scientist researching the interactions between humans and orcas. What methods or approaches would you use to study their behavior and understand the motives behind their actions?
- Do you agree that factors like food supply and environmental shifts may be connected to the unsettling encounters between humans and orcas?
- In your opinion, should there be stricter regulations or guidelines in place to protect both humans and orcas during their interactions? Why or why not?
- Discuss the potential consequences, both positive and negative, of increased human presence in the habitats of marine animals like orcas.
Summarization
Describe:
- incident
- creature
- peculiar
- decode
- factor