Rare clam species makes astonishing comeback in Croatian waters

admin 2024年4月13日

Beginner

science & technology, science & technology - beginner

©REUTERS/Antonio Bronic

Pre-reading questions:

I will read each question. Then, please answer them.

講師がそれぞれの質問を読むので答えましょう。

Have you ever studied or learned about the challenges involved in conserving endangered species in marine environments?
Are there any marine conservation efforts in your area or region that you are aware of?

Vocabulary:

I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.

単語、意味、例文を読みます。講師に続いて音読しましょう。

illness /IL-nis/

[noun] – a serious health condition or disease
The outbreak of an unknown illness among the cattle led to widespread concern among farmers in the region.

discover /dih-SKUHV-er/

[verb] – to find or come across something that was previously unknown or unseen
During the excavation, archaeologists discovered ancient artifacts buried beneath the ruins.

bug /buhg/

[noun] – small harmful creatures or organisms that can cause damage or pose a threat
The bugs in the waters were affecting the fish population and causing a decline in their numbers.

environment /en-VAHY-ruhn-muhnt/

[noun] – the air, water, and land in or on which people, animals, and plants live
Conservation efforts aim to protect the environment by preserving natural habitats and reducing pollution.

coast /kohst/

[noun] – the land next to or close to the sea
The coast is a popular destination for tourists seeking beautiful beaches and scenic views.

Article reading:

Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.

記事を音読しましょう。講師はあなたの発音とイントネーションを確認します。

In recent news, scientists shared a crucial update about the endangered noble pen shells. These clams suffered a severe illness in 2016, causing a significant decline in their numbers. Initially, only about 10 clams survived in the Adriatic Sea near Croatia. Surprisingly, in 2022, experts discovered an additional 20 clams near the Istria peninsula’s north shore.

Sandro Dujmovic, who works with an organization called Natura Histrica that cares for protected places in Istria, was amazed. He said it was unbelievable that these clams survived. In 2023, scientists collected around 100 young noble pen shells and took them to an aquarium. The clams’ ability to reproduce and clean water is vital for the sea. They are kept safe at the Pula aquarium, away from harmful bugs. Biologist Nikolina Premate stressed their need for a clean environment before returning to the sea. Croatia’s government is funding more research to understand why these clams are returning. Dujmovic mentioned that various groups on the Adriatic coast are collaborating to keep an eye on and protect these clams.

True or False:

Read the sentences and identify if they are true or false based on the article.

文章を読んで、記事に基づいて正誤を答えましょう。

Scientists recently provided an update on the endangered noble pen shells, a species that faced a severe illness in 2016, resulting in a significant decrease in their population.
Initially, only about 10 noble pen shells survived in the Adriatic Sea near Croatia following the illness.
Around 100 young noble pen shells were collected by scientists in 2023 and placed in an aquarium due to their critical role in water purification and reproduction.
Croatia’s government decided against funding further research to understand the return of the noble pen shells.
Biologist Nikolina Premate stated that the noble pen shells should be kept in a polluted environment for their safety.

Fill in the blanks:

Choose the correct word from the table then fill in the blanks.

適切な言葉を選んで空欄を埋めましょう。

illness

discover

bug

environment

coast

Pollution led to an increase in harmful __________ in the waters, impacting the ecosystem’s balance.
The __________ plays a crucial role in supporting various life forms, including humans, animals, and plants.
The flu is a common __________ during the winter months, causing symptoms like fever and coughing.
The erosion along the __________ has led to concerns about protecting seaside communities from the sea’s impact.
The scientist was thrilled to __________ a new species of butterfly in the rainforest.