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Listen to an Academic Talk Test #032
Listen to an Academic Talk
1. What is the main subject of the talk?
A) Hunting strategies of deep-sea creatures
B) A chemical reaction that produces light
C) The way organisms use sunlight
D) Potential uses for new technologies
2. According to the speaker, what is the purpose of a firefly''s light?
A) To locate sources of food
B) To defend itself from predators
C) To communicate with potential mates
D) To see its surroundings at night
3. What can be inferred about the deep-sea environment mentioned in the talk?
A) It contains many glowing plants
B) It has very little or no natural light
C) It is difficult for scientists to study
D) It is where bioluminescence first evolved
4. Why does the lecturer mention the anglerfish?
A) To illustrate a use of bioluminescence for hunting
B) To compare different types of chemical reactions
C) To explain how light travels through water
D) To describe an organism that lives near the surface
Lecturer: Let's discuss bioluminescence—the amazing ability of some living organisms to produce their own light. It's not a reflection of light, but a chemical reaction occurring inside the organism. This reaction usually involves a light-emitting compound called luciferin and an enzyme called luciferase.
The functions of this light vary greatly. For example, fireflies flash their lights in specific patterns to attract mates. In the deep ocean, where there's no sunlight, the anglerfish uses a glowing lure dangling in front of its mouth to attract unsuspecting prey. It's a very effective hunting strategy in complete darkness.
Scientists are fascinated by bioluminescence, not just because it's beautiful, but for its potential applications. Imagine medical tests where cells light up when a disease is present, or crops that glow when they need water. The possibilities are really quite profound.
The functions of this light vary greatly. For example, fireflies flash their lights in specific patterns to attract mates. In the deep ocean, where there's no sunlight, the anglerfish uses a glowing lure dangling in front of its mouth to attract unsuspecting prey. It's a very effective hunting strategy in complete darkness.
Scientists are fascinated by bioluminescence, not just because it's beautiful, but for its potential applications. Imagine medical tests where cells light up when a disease is present, or crops that glow when they need water. The possibilities are really quite profound.
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