By: Rob Dunn
Published: Scientific American, July 5, 2012; http://www.scientificamerican.com
; alternatively, just google the article and writer’s name.
Level of difficulty: **
BEFORE YOU READ
Discuss how
you feel mankind may have shaped the evolution of other species. Make a note of
your ideas so as to be able to compare them with what you learn from the text.
QUESTIONS
1.
What
two discoveries helped shape the course of human evolution?
2.
What
does the phrase “these species” in paragraph two refer to?
3.
The
extinction of many of the larger species on Earth is blamed on the human
discovery of …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
4.
The
completely unique structure of the human hand is due to ……………………………………………
5.
The
fishermen’s preference for large fish has resulted in …………………………………………………….
6.
Hundreds
of bacterial lineages have developed resistance to modern drugs due mainly to
what?
7.
It
is stated in paragraph seven that “The virus that makes you sick is almost
inevitably different than the one you give someone”. What is the basic reason
for this? Be brief and specific.
8.
In
paragraph eight it is stated that “2.3 kg of pesticides” are used annually to
control pests. What has the result of this method of farming been? Be brief and
specific.
9.
What
are the two tactics employed by plants we call weeds to survive?
10.
The
rapid evolution of tolerant and at least sometimes toxic creatures is due to ………………….and
……………………………….such as………………………………………………………………….
11.
What
is neophobia? Use your own words.
12.
There
is an evolutionary change taking place in rats which is also documented in the
case of bacteria, wild plants and weeds. It is ………………………………………………… Use your own words.
13.
What
does “this type of quick evolution” in paragraph nine refer to?
14.
Read
paragraph ten carefully and summarize it in one sentence. Use your own words.
15.
Read
the conclusion to the text. What advice does the writer offer mankind?
WRITING TASK
Summarize the text in a 100 to 150
words
THE GARDEN OF OUR NEGLECT: HOW HUMANS SHAPE THE EVOLUTION OF OTHER
SPECIES KEY AND TEACHER’S NOTES
This simple yet informative text offered me the opportunity to write
some good careful reading questions albeit at a simple level. The task will
enable students to grow accustomed to the reasoning behind careful reading
questions. Question 6 is a tough one, questions 11 and 14 will prepare them for
those multiple choice questions we get on tests (my version is harder), questions 7 and
8 will give them practice in synthesis. Because of all the common threads
running through the text, it is a brilliant opportunity for summary practice.
When they are all done, you might like to use a laptop and projector or the
good old board to write one together. So all round, I am very pleased with this
and hope you concur.
1.
Fire
and tools
2.
A
surprising number of resilient pests
3. (First) Stone
weapons
4.
Tools
or the use of tools
5.
Fishes
evolving the ability to reproduce at a smaller size.
6.
Using
antibiotics too much, too incompletely or too indiscriminately
7.
Viruses
generally evolve even more quickly than bacteria.
8.
Resistance
(to pesticides).
9.
The
evolution of multiple lineages of weeds resembling our crops; resistance to
herbicides.
10.
PCB,
many of our pollutants, heavy metals, cadmium, oil and others.
11.
Possible
answer: Being unwilling to try new food.
12.
Resistance
to chemicals used to exterminate them. This answer should cover not just rats but bacteria, weeds and wild plants too. It is all encompassing.
13.
Producing
fewer larger seeds that fall near them.
14.
Possible
answer: Animals that humans have moved to different parts of the world have
evolved to adapt to their new habitats.
15.
It
is time to use our knowledge of evolution and its well worn paths to cultivate
a new garden as we plan our future, one seeded with species that benefit rather
than harm us.
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