Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- relocate /ree-LOH-keyt/
- meticulously /muh-TIK-yuh-luhs-lee/
- sediment /SED-uh-muhnt/
- resilience /ri-ZIL-yuhns/
- distinct /dih-STINGKT/
[verb] – to move or move something or someone from one place to another
The company relocated its headquarters to a larger building downtown.
[adverb] – in a way that shows great care and attention to detail
She meticulously arranged the flowers in the vase to create a perfect centerpiece.
[noun] – a soft substance that is like a wet powder and consists of very small pieces of a solid material that have fallen to the bottom of a liquid
Over time, layers of sediment built up at the bottom of the river.
[noun] – the ability to recover quickly from difficulties or adapt to change
The resilience of the forest ecosystem allowed it to bounce back after the wildfire.
[adjective] – clearly different or separate from others
The twins have distinct personalities, even though they look alike.
Article reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
Approximately 300 endangered sea corals were relocated from South Florida to the Texas Gulf Coast as part of a research and restoration initiative. Researchers from Nova Southeastern University (NSU) and Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi meticulously prepared the corals for transport on September 18 at NSU’s Oceanographic Campus in Dania Beach. The delicate sea corals were loaded into protective containers filled with fresh seawater and extra oxygen, placed inside insulated coolers, and transported to a nearby airport for a flight to Texas. This effort was necessary due to the severe coral bleaching in 2023, which destroyed many corals in the Florida Keys. Healthy specimens from NSU’s offshore coral nursery were chosen for this transfer to assist in ongoing research.
The importance of coral conservation was highlighted by researchers, who noted that corals play a vital role in protecting coastlines and serving as nurseries for marine organisms. Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi is studying these corals to assess how sediment affects coral health and resilience. Additionally, some corals will help develop a bleaching guide for the Caribbean, while others will act as part of a genetic bank to preserve nearly 100 distinct Staghorn coral colonies. This collaborative project also involves sharing corals with other institutions to strengthen restoration efforts. Expanding the locations where corals are stored will help safeguard them and ensure their survival for future conservation initiatives. The scientists stressed the urgency of this effort, as coral populations are declining rapidly due to environmental changes.
The importance of coral conservation was highlighted by researchers, who noted that corals play a vital role in protecting coastlines and serving as nurseries for marine organisms. Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi is studying these corals to assess how sediment affects coral health and resilience. Additionally, some corals will help develop a bleaching guide for the Caribbean, while others will act as part of a genetic bank to preserve nearly 100 distinct Staghorn coral colonies. This collaborative project also involves sharing corals with other institutions to strengthen restoration efforts. Expanding the locations where corals are stored will help safeguard them and ensure their survival for future conservation initiatives. The scientists stressed the urgency of this effort, as coral populations are declining rapidly due to environmental changes.
Discussion Questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Have you ever been involved in a project that aimed to protect the environment or endangered species? If so, what was your role, and what challenges did you face? If not, can you think of a way you might contribute to an environmental conservation project in the future?
- Have you ever visited a marine or environmental research facility, such as an aquarium or conservation center? If so, what did you learn from the experience? If not, what kind of information would you like to learn if you had the chance to visit one?
- Do you agree that relocating corals to a new location is an effective way to combat the effects of coral bleaching?
- Why do you think coral reefs are important for marine ecosystems, and how might their decline affect other marine species?
- What are the important things to consider when moving endangered animals to new places? Do you think the good results are worth any problems that might come up? Why or why not?
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.
- researcher
- initiative
- genetic
- coastline
- specimen