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Listen to an Academic Talk Test #011
Listen to an Academic Talk
1. What is the main purpose of the talk?
A) To explain the causes of ocean darkness
B) To describe how deep-sea animals survive
C) To discuss the process of evolution
D) To give an overview of bioluminescence
2. According to the professor, how does the anglerfish use its light?
A) To see its surroundings
B) To attract its food
C) To scare away predators
D) To communicate with other fish
3. What can be inferred about the deep-sea environment?
A) It has no sources of natural light
B) Its temperature is relatively stable
C) It contains very few animal species
D) It is difficult for scientists to study
4. Why does the professor mention squid?
A) To contrast their diet with the anglerfish's
B) To introduce a different use for bioluminescence
C) To question a common belief about camouflage
D) To describe an animal that lacks bioluminescence
Professor: We often imagine the deep ocean as a place of total darkness, but that's not entirely true. Many creatures there create their own light through a process called bioluminescence. In fact, over 75 percent of deep-sea animals are thought to be bioluminescent.
They use this ability for a variety of survival purposes. For instance, the anglerfish has a glowing lure that dangles in front of its mouth to attract unsuspecting prey.
Other animals, like certain types of squid, use bioluminescence for camouflage. They produce light on their undersides to match the faint light filtering down from the surface, a strategy known as counter-illumination.
This makes them nearly invisible to predators looking up from below. Clearly, in an environment without sunlight, the ability to produce light is a critical evolutionary advantage.
They use this ability for a variety of survival purposes. For instance, the anglerfish has a glowing lure that dangles in front of its mouth to attract unsuspecting prey.
Other animals, like certain types of squid, use bioluminescence for camouflage. They produce light on their undersides to match the faint light filtering down from the surface, a strategy known as counter-illumination.
This makes them nearly invisible to predators looking up from below. Clearly, in an environment without sunlight, the ability to produce light is a critical evolutionary advantage.
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