Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- classify /KLAS-uh-fahy/
- unnoticed /uhn-NOW-tuhst/
- underscore /UHN-der-skawr/
- vulnerable /VUHL-ner-uh-buhl/
- habitat /HAB-i-tat/
[adjective] – to categorize or group something based on certain characteristics or criteria, often to organize or understand it better
The scientist classified the newly discovered species of butterfly based on its wing patterns and habitat preferences.
[adjective] – not observed or perceived; not attracting attention
The small, unnoticed changes in the environment can have a significant impact.
[verb] – to emphasize or highlight; to draw attention to
The results of the experiment underscore the importance of conservation efforts.
[adjective] – easily harmed or affected; open to attack or damage
The baby birds in the nest are vulnerable to predators.
[noun] – the natural environment in which a plant or animal lives
Polar bears depend on the Arctic habitat for their survival.
Article reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
In a groundbreaking discovery that offers hope for the conservation of one of Earth’s most iconic species, researchers have identified hidden groups of emperor penguins through the analysis of satellite imagery. These majestic creatures, classified as “near threatened” with extinction, represent the largest species of penguins and play a crucial role in the delicate Antarctic ecosystem. Worries about how melting ice might affect their breeding areas have led to observations suggesting that some emperor penguin groups are changing their locations. For instance, a colony close to Halley Bay moved about 30 kilometers (19 miles) to the east due to unstable conditions that began in 2016. This movement indicates that emperor penguins are adjusting to find more secure sea ice.
Even though these newly found colonies likely existed for a long time, they remained unnoticed until recent observations. They are quite small, with fewer than 1,000 breeding pairs each, and don’t significantly change the current estimate of around 66 known emperor penguin colonies and fewer than 300,000 breeding pairs. These findings add to scientists’ knowledge about how penguins might move in response to changes in their environment. The exact connection between the newly identified colonies and the larger existing ones is not clear yet. However, researchers highlight the dynamic nature of breeding sites, suggesting that a warming world could lead to more penguins relocating. This potential shift in penguin populations underscores the need for continued monitoring and conservation efforts to protect these vulnerable species and their evolving habitats.
Even though these newly found colonies likely existed for a long time, they remained unnoticed until recent observations. They are quite small, with fewer than 1,000 breeding pairs each, and don’t significantly change the current estimate of around 66 known emperor penguin colonies and fewer than 300,000 breeding pairs. These findings add to scientists’ knowledge about how penguins might move in response to changes in their environment. The exact connection between the newly identified colonies and the larger existing ones is not clear yet. However, researchers highlight the dynamic nature of breeding sites, suggesting that a warming world could lead to more penguins relocating. This potential shift in penguin populations underscores the need for continued monitoring and conservation efforts to protect these vulnerable species and their evolving habitats.
Discussion Questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Have you ever encountered an animal species that was classified as endangered or vulnerable? If so, what was your experience? If not, can you think of a situation where unnoticed changes in the environment might impact a species?
- Have you ever considered the potential consequences of unnoticed environmental changes on wildlife habitats, similar to what is discussed in the article? If so, could you share an example of an unnoticed environmental change that you have considered and its potential impact on wildlife? If not, can you think of a specific ecosystem where unnoticed changes might have a significant effect on the animals living there?
- Do you agree with the researchers’ emphasis on the need for continued monitoring and conservation efforts for vulnerable species like emperor penguins?
- Considering the potential impact of climate change on animal habitats, what proactive measures do you think can be taken to address the vulnerabilities of species like emperor penguins?
- What role do humans play in either disrupting or preserving this delicate balance of the Antarctic ecosystem?
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.
- conservation
- analysis
- observation
- highlight
- population