Can we make extinction extinct? Amidst so much climate doom and gloom, the return of the green turtle is cause for celebration. But some say conservation wins remain all too rare.
Majestic turtles ‘back from the brink’
Ocean giants: Green turtles are named due to the green colour of their fat and cartilage — not their shells. Comprehension quiz
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The word “biodiversity” in this context means:
A: The study of biology in a specific region.
B: The total amount of money spent on conservation efforts.
C: The variety of plant and animal life in the world or in a particular habitat.
D: A project to save one specific species from extinction.
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Which word is the closest synonym for “resurgent”?
A: Struggling
B: Reviving
C: Disappearing
D: Stable
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Identify two different measures mentioned in the article that were recommended to help save the green turtle.
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In your own words, summarise the two economic reasons the article gives for why we should protect nature.
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How does the writer structure the article to present the debate around conservation?
A: By focusing only on the successful conservation of the green turtle.
B: By using quotes from scientists with different viewpoints and supporting their claims with statistics.
C: By arguing that the economic costs of conservation are too high to be worthwhile.
D: By listing all the species currently on the IUCN Red List.
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What is the effect of the writer using the phrase “major wake-up call” to describe the decline of the green turtle?
A: To suggest that the news was only reported in the morning.
B: To imply that the problem was not considered very serious at the time.
C: To emphasise that the species’ decline was a severe warning that alerted people to a much bigger problem and the need for action.
D: To show that conservation scientists were not paying attention.
Answers
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1. C 2. B 3. Two measures mentioned are protecting their eggs and reducing their accidental capture in fishing nets. 4. The article states that conservation is important for the economy because more than half of the world's GDP depends on nature, meaning our jobs and livelihoods are at risk. It also mentions that conservation action could generate $250 billion in economic output each year. 5. B 6. C
1. C 2. B 3. Two measures mentioned are protecting their eggs and reducing their accidental capture in fishing nets. 4. The article states that conservation is important for the economy because more than half of the world's GDP depends on nature, meaning our jobs and livelihoods are at risk. It also mentions that conservation action could generate $250 billion in economic output each year. 5. B 6. C
Glossary
Endangered - An animal or plant that is in danger of becoming extinct – or dying out completely.
Conservation - The practice of protecting plant and animal species and their habitats.
Biodiversity - Biodiversity is all the different kinds of life you'll find in one area — the variety of animals, plants, fungi, and even microorganisms like bacteria that make up our natural world. Each of these species and organisms work together in ecosystems, like an intricate web, to maintain balance and support life.
Deforestation - The removal of a forest in order to use the land on which it stood for some other use, often agriculture or housing.
Congo Basin - The basin of the Congo River in central Africa. It is home to many tropical rainforests.
GDP - Short for Gross Domestic Product, the measure of all the goods and services produced inside a country.