During a 38-day expedition in Peru’s Alto Mayo region, scientists uncovered 27 new species, including mammals, fish, amphibians, and butterflies. This discovery highlights the rich biodiversity of the area.
Read the article to know more about the importance of conservation efforts in densely populated regions.
https://people.com/scientist-discovers-27-new-species-peru-alto-mayo-landscape-8763717
Vocabulary Questions:
- What does “bizarre” mean? “”While this fish is familiar to the local Indigenous Awajun people, it is completely new to scientists, and the function of this bizarre blob-like structure remains a mystery,” Trond adds.” Use it in a sentence.
- What does “teeming” mean? “The “shocking and unexpected” discovery of so many new species and the overall “tremendous diversity” of the Alto Mayo Landscape shows RAP and Conservation International that populated areas “largely ignored” by scientists can still be teeming with natural life.” Use it in a sentence.
- What does “rare” mean? “Before constructing this corridor, Conservation International needs to know “where the most important species live, especially those that are new to science, rare, or threatened with extinction.” Use it in a sentence.
Discussion Questions:
- What do you think makes the Alto Mayo region in Peru such a great place for finding new species?
- How do you think finding these new species helps scientists learn more about the rainforest and how it all works together?
- With all these new species found, do you think there’s enough being done to protect their home from things like deforestation?
- Do you think discoveries like this could inspire more people to visit or support conservation in places like Peru?