Home
Listening
Listen to an Academic Talk Test #060
Listen to an Academic Talk
1. What is the main topic of the talk?
A) The chemical composition of the deep ocean
B) The challenges of deep-sea exploration
C) The production and use of light by sea creatures
D) The diet and hunting habits of the anglerfish
2. According to the speaker, what is one way the anglerfish uses bioluminescence?
A) To defend itself from larger predators
B) To see its surroundings more clearly
C) To attract other animals to eat
D) To communicate with other anglerfish
3. What does the speaker imply about the deep-sea environment?
A) It contains an abundance of food.
B) It is an easy place for animals to survive.
C) Organisms there must use energy efficiently.
D) It is mostly inhabited by anglerfish.
4. Why does the speaker mention the chemical luciferin?
A) To explain how bioluminescence is produced
B) To give an example of a deep-sea plant
C) To describe a source of food in the ocean
D) To name a recently discovered organism
Guest Speaker: In the deep ocean, where sunlight cannot penetrate, many creatures have evolved a fascinating survival tool: bioluminescence. This is the ability of an organism to create its own light through a chemical reaction.
The functions of this light are incredibly varied. For some, it's a way to communicate and attract a mate in the total darkness. For others, it's a hunting tool. The anglerfish, for instance, has a glowing lure that dangles in front of its mouth to attract unsuspecting prey.
The light is produced when a substance called luciferin reacts with oxygen. While this ability provides clear advantages, there's a trade-off. Producing light is an energy-intensive process. Therefore, an organism must balance the benefit of creating light against the high energetic cost, which is a constant challenge in the resource-scarce environment of the deep sea.
The functions of this light are incredibly varied. For some, it's a way to communicate and attract a mate in the total darkness. For others, it's a hunting tool. The anglerfish, for instance, has a glowing lure that dangles in front of its mouth to attract unsuspecting prey.
The light is produced when a substance called luciferin reacts with oxygen. While this ability provides clear advantages, there's a trade-off. Producing light is an energy-intensive process. Therefore, an organism must balance the benefit of creating light against the high energetic cost, which is a constant challenge in the resource-scarce environment of the deep sea.
Highlights
| ID: | #io9396452954 |
Tags
New TOEFL