Pre-reading questions:
- If you could track an animal’s movements, which one would you choose and why?
- What are some ways humans can help animals that are endangered?
Vocabulary:
- phase /feyz/
- current /KUR-uhnt/
- conservation /kon-ser-VEY-shuhn/
- threat /thret/
- investment /in-VEST-muhnt/
[noun] – a stage or period in a process of change or development
The construction project is now in its final phase, and the building will be completed soon.
[noun] – a movement of water, air, or electricity in a particular direction
Strong ocean currents made it difficult for the fishermen to return to shore.
[noun] – the protection and careful management of natural resources, wildlife, or the environment
The government launched a new forest conservation program to protect endangered species.
[noun] – possible danger or risk that could cause harm
Climate change poses serious threats to coastal communities due to rising sea levels.
[noun] – the act of putting money, effort, or resources into something to gain future benefits
The company made a major investment in renewable energy to reduce carbon emissions.
Article reading:
Over ten years, marine scientists attached GPS trackers to 114 young turtles, including endangered species like green turtles, loggerheads, hawksbills, and Kemp’s ridleys. The study, conducted in the Gulf of Mexico, challenged the old belief that young turtles simply drift with ocean currents. By comparing their movements to drifting buoys, researchers found that many turtles actively swam against the current, showing they had more control over their migration than previously thought. These findings are important for marine conservation. By understanding where young turtles go, experts can identify threats such as pollution and fishing. The tracking devices used were lightweight and solar-powered, staying on for weeks or months before falling off naturally as the turtles grew. This solved past problems with long-term tracking. The research highlights the need for more investment in tracking technology to protect these vulnerable turtles and improve conservation efforts worldwide.
Comprehension questions
- What did researchers use to learn about young sea turtles?
- Why did scientists call the early life of sea turtles the “lost years”?
- Where did the young turtles go after they hatched?
- How many young turtles did scientists track in the study?
- What did scientists discover about the turtles’ movement in the ocean?
Discussion questions
- Have you ever seen a sea turtle in the ocean, at an aquarium, or on a beach? If so, what did you think about the experience? If not, would you like to see one in the wild? Why or why not?
- Have you ever learned about animals that need protection, like sea turtles? If so, what did you learn? If not, what animal would you like to learn more about?
- Do you agree that people should do more to stop pollution in the ocean?
- Why do you think sea turtles swim against the ocean currents instead of just drifting?
- What would happen if scientists could not track sea turtles? How would this affect conservation efforts?