©REUTERS/Antonio Bronic
Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- specimen /SPES-uh-muhn/
- reproduce /ree-pruh-DOOS/
- necessity /nuh-SES-i-tee/
- thrive /thrahyv/
- fund /fuhnd/
[noun] – something shown or examined as an example; a typical example
The scientist presented a perfect specimen of the newly discovered butterfly as an example of the species’ distinctive markings.
[verb] – to produce offspring or to generate new individuals of the same species through biological processes
Rabbits reproduce rapidly, with a single pair able to generate dozens of offspring in just one year.
[noun] – the need for something
Clean water is a necessity for all living organisms to thrive and survive.
[verb] – to grow, develop, or be successful
The endangered species needs a stable ecosystem to thrive and increase its population.
[noun] – an amount of money saved, collected, or provided for a particular purpose
The organization secured a substantial fund to support conservation efforts for endangered species in the region.
Article reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
In recent news, marine biologists have reported an incredible resurgence in the population of a large clam species known as the noble pen shell, or Pinna nobilis, which was close to disappearing. This clam species faced a severe threat from a deadly disease that spread across parts of the Mediterranean back in 2016, causing a rapid decline in their numbers. Recently, Croatian scientists knew of only around 10 surviving noble pen shells in their Adriatic Sea area. However, in 2022, a diver’s sighting of a group of 20 clams near the north shore of the Istria peninsula astonished experts, sparking disbelief and amazement.
Sandro Dujmovic from the Natura Histrica organization, overseeing Istria’s protected areas, expressed astonishment, stating that the news seemed unbelievable as they thought these clams could not have survived. In 2023, biologists successfully collected around 100 young noble pen shell specimens and transferred them to an aquarium, a positive sign indicating their ability to reproduce. These clams, which can grow up to 4 feet (120 cm) in shell size, play a crucial role in the ecosystem by filtering seawater and supporting other marine organisms’ growth. To ensure their safety and protection, the clams are kept in a specialized environment at the Pula aquarium, free from parasites that can harm them. Biologist Nikolina Premate emphasized the necessity of a pristine environment for the clams to thrive and adapt for their potential return to the sea. Although the exact cause of this resurgence remains unclear, Croatia’s government has allocated funds for further research. Dujmovic underscored the collaborative efforts of various Adriatic coast institutions and individuals engaged in monitoring, exploring, and conserving these clams.
Sandro Dujmovic from the Natura Histrica organization, overseeing Istria’s protected areas, expressed astonishment, stating that the news seemed unbelievable as they thought these clams could not have survived. In 2023, biologists successfully collected around 100 young noble pen shell specimens and transferred them to an aquarium, a positive sign indicating their ability to reproduce. These clams, which can grow up to 4 feet (120 cm) in shell size, play a crucial role in the ecosystem by filtering seawater and supporting other marine organisms’ growth. To ensure their safety and protection, the clams are kept in a specialized environment at the Pula aquarium, free from parasites that can harm them. Biologist Nikolina Premate emphasized the necessity of a pristine environment for the clams to thrive and adapt for their potential return to the sea. Although the exact cause of this resurgence remains unclear, Croatia’s government has allocated funds for further research. Dujmovic underscored the collaborative efforts of various Adriatic coast institutions and individuals engaged in monitoring, exploring, and conserving these clams.
Discussion Questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Have you ever witnessed or been part of an effort to preserve or protect an endangered species in your local environment or during your travels? If so, what was your experience like? If not, how do you think individuals or organizations can contribute to the conservation of endangered species?
- If you were part of the team responsible for the protection and rehabilitation of endangered species like the noble pen shell, what measures or strategies would you propose to ensure their survival in their natural habitat?
- Do you agree with the allocation of government funds for further research into the causes behind the resurgence of the noble pen shell?
- How might the successful reproduction and preservation of the noble pen shell in controlled environments impact broader marine conservation efforts and awareness among the general public? Discuss the potential implications.
- Considering the collaborative efforts involved in monitoring and conserving the noble pen shell, what lessons can other regions or countries learn from Croatia’s approach to protecting endangered marine species?
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.
- clam
- allocate
- biologist
- parasite
- ecosystem