Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- originally /uh-RIJ-uh-nl-ee/
- document /DOK-yuh-ment/
- exclude /ik-SKLOOD/
- diversity /dih-VUR-si-tee/
- emphasize /EM-fuh-sahyz/
[adverb] – at the beginning or before any changes
The house was originally built as a small shop.
[verb] – to record something by writing or taking pictures
The student gave the teacher a travel document.
[verb] – to keep something or someone out
The sign says to exclude all outside food from the room.
[noun] – the state of having many different types
The class has great diversity in languages and cultures.
[verb] – to show that something is important
The teacher emphasized the importance of doing homework on time.
Article reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
Unusual behavior was observed between 2022 and 2023 on a small island in Panama, where capuchin monkeys were recorded carrying baby howler monkeys. This discovery was made by researchers from the Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior and the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute while analyzing footage from more than 80 cameras originally installed to study tool use among capuchins. The video showed at least 11 howler infants being transported on the backs of male capuchins. These two monkey species are not closely related. Most of the baby howlers were only a few weeks to months old and still dependent on their mothers. The reason behind this behavior remains unclear, but it has never been documented before. The findings were published in the scientific journal Current Biology.
Experts have suggested that the first case might have come from a confused caring instinct, as the male capuchin appeared gentle while handling the infant. Other young males later imitated this conduct. There were no signs of hostility or feeding behavior, which excluded the possibility of predation. Sadly, most of the infants were believed to have died from starvation, and some were seen being carried even after death. Scientists noted that similar behavior—carrying dead young—has been observed in other animals, such as gorillas and whales, but the reasons are still speculative. This phenomenon has shown the exceptional behavioral diversity within primate social groups and emphasized the importance of further investigation into animal cognition and social learning. Only one group of capuchins has shown this specific conduct so far.
Experts have suggested that the first case might have come from a confused caring instinct, as the male capuchin appeared gentle while handling the infant. Other young males later imitated this conduct. There were no signs of hostility or feeding behavior, which excluded the possibility of predation. Sadly, most of the infants were believed to have died from starvation, and some were seen being carried even after death. Scientists noted that similar behavior—carrying dead young—has been observed in other animals, such as gorillas and whales, but the reasons are still speculative. This phenomenon has shown the exceptional behavioral diversity within primate social groups and emphasized the importance of further investigation into animal cognition and social learning. Only one group of capuchins has shown this specific conduct so far.
Discussion Questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Have you ever seen an animal act in a surprising way? If so, what did it do? If not, what might surprise you?
- Have you visited a zoo or wildlife park before? If so, what animals did you see? If not, would you like to visit one?
- Do you agree that this behavior shows how intelligent animals can be?
- How might this discovery change how people think about animal emotions?
- What are some reasons scientists should continue studying animal behavior?
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.
- unusual
- discovery
- transport
- gentle
- investigation