2. Consider the relationship between wild animals and humans
What did you do yesterday? What did you eat?
Answer: |
biodiversity
生物多様性
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predator
捕食動物
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drought
干ばつ
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restore A to B
危機
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1. |
Lack of rain causes ___________. |
2. |
_____________ is the variety of life on Earth, including different species and ecosystems. |
3. |
The government is working to _______ the damaged bridge to its original state. |
4. |
_____________ are animals that hunt and kill other animals for food. |
Answer: |
Beavers were historically hunted for their pelts, but people didn’t realize the vital role they play in regulating water flow, increasing biodiversity, and reducing pollution. Beavers build dams and canals that help them escape from predators and also slow water flow, reducing floods downstream in wet seasons and droughts during dry seasons.
Experts warn that areas like Devon are expected to see more flooding as the climate crisis worsens. However, a recent study in England showed that beaver dams can reduce average floodwaters by up to 60%. The Devon Wildlife Trust is behind reintroducing beavers to Devon, and their effect on the River Otter basin has been dramatic, with a huge increase in biodiversity.
While beavers can cause trouble by waterlogging farmland and eating orchard trees, they are a significant benefit overall, and nations across Europe are working to restore them to their original range.
1. | What was it that people didn’t understand about beavers in the past? |
Answer: |
2. | What is the purpose of beavers building dams? |
Answer: |
3. | What is the trouble that beavers sometimes cause? |
Answer: |
Sample question: | Some people say that walking is good for one’s health. Do you agree with that idea? |
Sample answer (agree): | I agree that walking is good for one’s health. I have several reasons for this. First, it reduces the risk of diseases. Some examples are heart attack, stroke, and high blood pressure. Second, some studies say that physical exercise can reduce stress. This helps us sleep better and be in a good mood. So, I agree that walking is good for our health. |
Give at least one reason to support your opinion. You have one minute to prepare and one minute to answer.
Topic: | Do you agree that Japan should utilize beavers for flood control? | |
Answer: | I agree/disagree |
ex. Why do you think so?
If you were in this situation, what would you do? etc.)
Answer: |
Topic: | Do you agree with hunting animals for their pelts? | |
Answer: | I agree/disagree |
ex. Why do you think so?
If you were in this situation, what would you do? etc.)
Answer: |
– What role do you think humans play in the ecosystem?
– Other than beavers, what other wild animals benefit humans?
Answer: |