B1 – Intermediate
Moa is a species of birds that has been extinct for 600 years. They were formerly endemic to New Zealand. On average, they are 3.6 feet tall, but they can grow up to 12 feet tall. They are covered in feathers. However, they are avians that can’t fly.
Colossal Biosciences, a biotechnology and genetic engineering company, plans to bringing back extinct species such as the giant moa birds.
Read the article about de-extinction and be ready to answer the questions that follow.
https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2507/250714-moa-de-extinction.html
Vocabulary Questions:
- What does “on the cusp of doing something” mean? “Biotechnology and genetic engineering company Colossal Biosciences claims it is on the cusp of successfully bringing back extinct species.” Use this idiom in a sentence. Give a synonym.
- What does “resemble” mean? “Colossal defines de-extinction as: ‘The process of generating an organism that both resembles and is genetically similar to an extinct species.” Use this word in a sentence. Give a synonym.
- What does “thrive” mean? “It would also enhance the adaptability of species to “thrive” amid climate change, dwindling resources, disease and human interference.” Use this word in a sentence. Give a synonym.
Discussion Questions:
- What are the advantages and disadvantages of resurrecting extinct animals?
- Considering its advantages and disadvantages, is de-extinction good or bad? Explain.
- Which extinct animal would you like to be made revived? Why this animal?