B2 – Upper Intermediate
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 “to construct a corridor” 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.
- Explain “human-influence”. “According to Trond, the Alto Mayo Landscape is the most “highly populated and human-influenced” landscape in which RAP has worked.” Use it in a sentence.
- What does “knowledge gap” mean? “Trond’s expedition went to the Alto Mayo Landscape to fill these “knowledge gaps” so that the corridor can develop a land-use plan that supports biodiversity conservation, agricultural sustainability, and habitat connectivity across the broader region.” 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?