Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- ancestor /AN-ses-ter/
- complexity /kuhm-PLEK-si-tee/
- invaluable /in-VAL-yoo-uh-buhl/
- nuanced /NOO-ahnst/
- interact /in-ter-AKT/
[noun] – a person related to you who lived a long time ago
My ancestor came to this country 200 years ago.
[noun] – The state of having many parts and being difficult to understand or find an answer to.
The complexity of the puzzle made it hard to solve.
[adjective] – extremely useful
Her help was invaluable during the emergency.
[adjective] – made slightly different in a complicated, interesting, and sometimes subtle way
His opinion showed a nuanced view of the topic.
[verb] – to communicate with or react to
The students interact well during group activities.
Article reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
In May 2024, researchers published a study in Science Advances about how early human ancestors used their hands. The research took place in southern Africa and focused on fossil hands from two ancient species: Australopithecus sediba, which lived about 2 million years ago, and Homo naledi, which lived around 300,000 years ago. Scientists used 3D scanning to measure bone thickness in finger fossils. This method helps show which parts of the fingers experienced more stress from daily activities. The goal of the research was to understand how these early humans lived and what tasks their hands were used for. The findings revealed that both species likely walked on two legs and also used their hands for climbing, grasping, and manipulating tools. These results challenge the idea of a simple change from “ape-like” to “human-like” hands.
The researchers found that different fingers had different bone thicknesses, which indicated diverse hand functions. This complexity suggests that early human ancestors did not follow a straight path in hand evolution. Instead, they adapted to various needs, such as moving through trees and making tools. According to scientists, hand bones respond to repeated pressure, so the thicker parts show what activities were common. Experts not involved in the study said that fossil hands are rare and that these findings offer invaluable insights into human development. The use of advanced scanning technology made it possible to study small fossils in greater detail. These discoveries provide a more nuanced understanding of how ancient humans interacted with the environment and adapted their behaviors over time.
The researchers found that different fingers had different bone thicknesses, which indicated diverse hand functions. This complexity suggests that early human ancestors did not follow a straight path in hand evolution. Instead, they adapted to various needs, such as moving through trees and making tools. According to scientists, hand bones respond to repeated pressure, so the thicker parts show what activities were common. Experts not involved in the study said that fossil hands are rare and that these findings offer invaluable insights into human development. The use of advanced scanning technology made it possible to study small fossils in greater detail. These discoveries provide a more nuanced understanding of how ancient humans interacted with the environment and adapted their behaviors over time.
Discussion Questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Have you ever seen fossils in a museum? If so, what kind of fossils did you see? If not, would you like to see them?
- Have you learned about human evolution in school? If so, what did you find most interesting? If not, would you like to learn?
- Do you agree that advanced tools help scientists discover more about the past?
- What challenges do scientists face when studying fossils?
- What can the shape and size of bones tell us about daily life in ancient times?
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.
- publish
- focus on
- thickness
- indicate
- technology