The Sixth Extinction: Unraveling the Secrets of a Fast-Approaching Crisis: Advanced English Lesson

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The Sixth Extinction: Unraveling the Secrets of a Fast-Approaching Crisis

 

Introduction

In the course of Earth’s history, there have been five major extinction events, during which a large number of species vanished from our planet. Today, we are on the brink of what is now known as “The Sixth Extinction.” In this English lesson, we will explore the causes behind this phenomenon, its potential consequences, and what we can do to mitigate its impact.

NOW DISCUSS THE NEW VOCABULARY

GRAMMAR QUESTION

1. In the following sentence, identify the correct conjunction needed to combine two independent clauses: “The sixth extinction is a significant event in Earth’s history, _____ it has led to the loss of many species.”
a) so
b) but
c) although
d) because

SECTION ONE:

The Causes of The Sixth Extinction

1. Climate Change: One of the principal drivers behind the sixth mass extinction is climate change. Rapidly increasing temperatures are causing the loss of crucial habitats, leading to species migration and severe consequences for ecosystems around the world.

2. Habitat Destruction and Fragmentation: Another critical factor contributing to the sixth extinction is habitat destruction. As human populations grow and urbanize, natural habitats are being destroyed or fragmented at alarming rates, leaving various plant and animal species unable to survive.

3. Pollution: The escalating pollution levels in our air, water, and soil directly correlate with a decline in global biodiversity. Exposure to toxic substances disrupts ecosystems and has far-reaching consequences for animal and plant life.

4. Overexploitation: Humans are overexploiting natural resources such as forests, fisheries, and freshwater systems for economic gain. This unsustainable exploitation leads to a rapid depletion of biodiversity.

5. Species Invasion: Human activities are inadvertently introducing invasive species into novel environments where they compete with native species for resources, which often results in the decline or extinction of endemic species.

NOW DISCUSS THE NEW VOCABULARY

GRAMMAR QUESTION

2. Choose the correct relative pronoun to complete the sentence: “The biologist who specializes in studying species affected by the sixth extinction _____ several theories about the causes of this phenomenon.”
a) have
b) has
c) had
d) will have

LISTENING SECTION: (America speaking very quickly)

QUESTIONS:

1. 1. 1. 1. Explain what is the 6th mass extinction?
         2. Who do scientists think is causing the 6th mass extinction?
         3. What does “belching -out” mean?
         4. What is a ground nesting bird?
         5. What is an “urban adaptor?”
         6. What it a “diet adaptor?”

SECTION TWO:

The Consequences of The Sixth Extinction

1. Loss of Biodiversity: As more species disappear due to mass extinction, ecosystems become less resilient and face difficulty in functioning optimally.

2. Imbalanced Ecosystems: A decline in biodiversity can lead to an imbalance in food chains and predator-prey relationships, triggering widespread instability within ecosystems.

3. Impact on Food Production: The loss of species can have a significant impact on human food production. Pollinators, for example, play an essential role in the growth of agricultural crops, and their decline could lead to global food scarcity.

4. Socioeconomic and Cultural Ramifications: Human welfare and cultural diversity are closely linked to biodiversity. As species go extinct, we may lose invaluable knowledge, medical resources, and unique cultural relationships with nature.

NOW DISCUSS THE NEW VOCABULARY

GRAMMAR QUESTION

3. Which of the following sentences demonstrates correct subject-verb agreement?
a) The consequences of global climate change on this latest mass extinction event is not well understood.
b) The consequences of global climate change on this latest mass extinction event are not well understood.
c) There are several factors contributing to the ongoing species extinction, and human activity plays a major roles.
d) None of these sentences are correct.

SECTION THREE:

Taking Action

1. Conservation Efforts: Ensuring the protection and restoration of ecosystems can help maintain biodiversity and reduce the impact of the sixth extinction.

2. Sustainable Resource Management: Implementing sustainable practices can lessen habitat destruction and promote resource conservation.

3. Climate Change Mitigation: Reducing greenhouse gas emissions is crucial in combating climate change and its effects on biodiversity loss.

4. Raising Awareness: By educating the public about the causes and consequences of mass extinctions, we can encourage widespread support for biodiversity conservation.

NOW DISCUSS THE NEW VOCABULARY

GRAMMAR QUESTION

4. Select the appropriately punctuated sentence:
a) The sixth extinction, which began approximately forty thousand years ago has been accelerated by human activities such as deforestation and habitat destruction.
b) The sixth extinction which began approximately forty thousand years ago has been accelerated, by human activities such as deforestation and habitat destruction.
c) The sixth extinction, which began approximately forty thousand years ago, has been accelerated by human activities such as deforestation and habitat destruction.
d) The sixth extinction which began approximately forty thousand years ago, has been accelerated by human activities such as deforestation and habitat destruction.

SECTION FOUR:

Conclusion

“The Sixth Extinction” is a looming crisis that has been triggered by human activities. With the potential to alter life on Earth as we know it, it is imperative that we understand its causes and take immediate action to mitigate its devastating consequences. The time has come for every individual, organization, and government to work together toward a more sustainable future with rich biodiversity at its core—to preserve not only our planet but also our continued existence as a species.

NOW DISCUSS THE NEW VOCABULARY

GRAMMAR QUESTION

5. Determine which tense is appropriate for the verb in the following sentence: “In order to address this pressing issue, governments and organizations ___ more resources into saving endangered species and ecosystems.”
a) should allocate
b) had allocated
c) have allocated
d) would allocate