©Christian-McCall
Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- renowned /ri-NOUND/
- glimpse /glimps/
- coral /KAWR-uhl/
- specimen /SPES-uh-muhn/
- prey /prey/
[adjective] – famous for something
The city is renowned for its rich history and cultural heritage.
[noun] – an occasion when you see something or someone for a very short time
During my visit to the museum, I caught a glimpse of a rare dinosaur fossil that offered a fascinating insight into prehistoric life.
[noun] – a substance like rock, formed in the sea by groups of particular types of small animal, often used in jewelry
The scuba divers were amazed by the vibrant colors of the coral they encountered while exploring the ocean.
[noun] – something shown or examined as an example; a typical example
The scientist collected a specimen of the rare flower for further analysis.
[noun] – an animal that is hunted and killed for food by another animal
The eagle spotted its prey from high in the sky and swooped down to catch it with precision.
Article reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
Swimming jellyfish, dating back 505 million years, have been astonishingly unearthed in the Canadian Rockies’ renowned Burgess Shale fossil site. The fossils belong to a previously unknown jellyfish species, Burgessomedusa phasmiformis, providing a glimpse into the advanced evolution of these creatures during ancient times. Despite being composed of 95% water, these soft-bodied animals have been remarkably preserved, with the fossils measuring approximately 8 inches (20 centimeters) in length. The findings, detailed in the journal Proceedings of the Royal Society B, offer a fascinating insight into the evolution of these ancient creatures.
Jellyfish, classified as medusozoans, possess umbrella-shaped bodies and stinging tentacles. They belong to the Cnidaria group, which includes some of the oldest animal species on Earth, such as corals and sea anemones. The discovery of Burgessomedusa phasmiformis fossils at the site indicates the early existence of large, bell-shaped jellyfish that could swim freely more than 500 million years ago. The Burgess Shale, where the fossils were found, is a treasure trove of well-preserved specimens, including soft-bodied animals and intricate details of their internal anatomy. These fossils provide valuable insights into the ancient marine ecosystem and how various species coexisted. While the origins of free-swimming jellyfish have been challenging to trace, these newly discovered fossils shed light on their evolutionary history. Burgessomedusa phasmiformis, with its distinct features like 90 finger-like tentacles for catching prey, likely played a significant role in the ancient marine food chain. The discovery adds a remarkable lineage to the Burgess Shale’s collection of preserved species, contributing to our understanding of Earth’s evolutionary journey.
Jellyfish, classified as medusozoans, possess umbrella-shaped bodies and stinging tentacles. They belong to the Cnidaria group, which includes some of the oldest animal species on Earth, such as corals and sea anemones. The discovery of Burgessomedusa phasmiformis fossils at the site indicates the early existence of large, bell-shaped jellyfish that could swim freely more than 500 million years ago. The Burgess Shale, where the fossils were found, is a treasure trove of well-preserved specimens, including soft-bodied animals and intricate details of their internal anatomy. These fossils provide valuable insights into the ancient marine ecosystem and how various species coexisted. While the origins of free-swimming jellyfish have been challenging to trace, these newly discovered fossils shed light on their evolutionary history. Burgessomedusa phasmiformis, with its distinct features like 90 finger-like tentacles for catching prey, likely played a significant role in the ancient marine food chain. The discovery adds a remarkable lineage to the Burgess Shale’s collection of preserved species, contributing to our understanding of Earth’s evolutionary journey.
Discussion Questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Have you ever visited a natural history museum or a fossil site and felt a sense of wonder and fascination while learning about ancient creatures like the swimming jellyfish from the Burgess Shale? If so, could you describe your experience and how it influenced your perspective on Earth’s history and evolution? If not, can you imagine what it might be like to explore such exhibits and what kind of insights you might gain from them?
- How do you think these well-preserved fossils help scientists learn about creatures from ancient times?
- Do you find it surprising that jellyfish fossils have been found dating back 505 million years?
- Why do you think it’s important for scientists to study the evolution of ancient creatures like these swimming jellyfish?
- What other mysteries of Earth’s history do you think could be uncovered through similar fossil discoveries?
Summarization
Please summarize the whole article using your own words and expressions. You will have one minute to prepare before you answer.
Describe:
Please explain the definition of each word listed below based on your understanding. You can provide example sentences if needed.
- distinct
- food chain
- ancient times
- remarkably
- shed light on