Pre-reading questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- If you could help protect an animal species, which one would you choose and why?
- What challenges do you think wild animals face when their habitats get smaller?
Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- variation /vair-ee-EY-shuhn/
- shrink /shringk/
- biodiversity /bahy-oh-di-VUR-si-tee/
- corridor /KAWR-i-der/
- proactive /proh-AK-tiv/
[noun] – a difference or change in the characteristics of something
The chef experimented with a new variation of the traditional pasta recipe.
[verb] – to become smaller in size, amount, or number
The company had to cut costs as its profits began to shrink rapidly.
[noun] – the variety of life in an ecosystem
Governments are implementing policies to reduce biodiversity loss and protect endangered species.
[noun] – a passage or connection that allows movement between different areas
Wildlife corridors help animals move safely between forests divided by roads.
[adjective] – taking action in advance to prevent problems rather than reacting to them later
The school took a proactive approach to improve student safety by installing cameras.
Article reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
Genetic diversity is essential for species to survive and adapt, but a recent study in Nature shows a concerning decline. Researchers examined 628 species from 1985 to 2019 and found that two-thirds of animal and plant populations are losing genetic variation. Birds and mammals were the most affected. The study explains that as populations shrink and become isolated, they have fewer chances to mix genes. This makes them more vulnerable to threats like diseases and climate change.
Scientists emphasize that genetic diversity helps species adjust to environmental changes. If some individuals have traits that improve survival, they can pass them on to future generations. This study highlights the urgent need for conservation efforts to slow biodiversity loss and maintain stable ecosystems. One successful example is the Florida panther. Due to habitat loss from urban growth and highways, these big cats suffered from inbreeding. In the mid-1990s, biologists introduced eight female panthers from Texas to the Florida population. Over the next 20 years, genetic health improved, and their numbers grew. Conservationists say similar efforts, such as creating habitat corridors and genetic rescue programs, can help species recover. Without action, genetic loss may push more species toward extinction. Experts stress that proactive measures are necessary to protect ecosystems and preserve genetic diversity.
Scientists emphasize that genetic diversity helps species adjust to environmental changes. If some individuals have traits that improve survival, they can pass them on to future generations. This study highlights the urgent need for conservation efforts to slow biodiversity loss and maintain stable ecosystems. One successful example is the Florida panther. Due to habitat loss from urban growth and highways, these big cats suffered from inbreeding. In the mid-1990s, biologists introduced eight female panthers from Texas to the Florida population. Over the next 20 years, genetic health improved, and their numbers grew. Conservationists say similar efforts, such as creating habitat corridors and genetic rescue programs, can help species recover. Without action, genetic loss may push more species toward extinction. Experts stress that proactive measures are necessary to protect ecosystems and preserve genetic diversity.
Comprehension questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them based on the article.
- What is genetic diversity important for?
- How many species did researchers study from 1985 to 2019?
- Which animals were most affected by the loss of genetic variation?
- What happens when populations shrink and become isolated?
- What kind of threats do species face when they lose genetic diversity?
Discussion questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Have you ever heard about a species that is in danger of disappearing? If so, what species was it, and why was it in danger? If not, what do you think causes animals to become endangered?
- Have you ever visited a zoo or a wildlife park? If so, what animals did you see, and did you learn anything about their protection? If not, what do you think the condition of the animals there might be like?
- Do you agree that humans should take responsibility for helping endangered species survive?
- Why do you think birds and mammals are more affected by genetic diversity loss than other animals?
- What are some challenges that scientists and conservationists might face when trying to increase genetic diversity in endangered species?