Unlocking Word Meanings
Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.
Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.
1. decode (v.) [dee-kohd] – to understand or interpret a code
Example: It is difficult to decode the hidden meaning in his letter.
2. link (n.) [lingk] – a
connection or a relationship between two things that affect each other
Example: There is a link between the academic background of an employee and his work
performance.
3. match (n.) [mach] – one
that is a perfect pair of another
Example: Puzzles are solved by finding the match of each piece.
4. anatomical (adj.) [an-uh-tom-i-kuhl] – related
to the body structure of an organism
Example: He performed an anatomical comparison of four-legged animals.
5. ancestor (n.) [an-ses-ter or, especially Brit., -suh-ster] – a
relative from which one came from
Example: Apes, whose features resemble man’s, are
said to be our ancestors.
Article
Read the text below.
Researchers from Cambridge University
in the UK have finally decoded the
gorilla genome, which may help them
discover how humans have come to understand the concepts of language, culture
and science.
The scientists compared 11,000 genes
of one female western lowland gorilla to genes of humans, chimpanzees and
orangutans.
As past studies have shown,
chimpanzees have the closest genetic link
to humans, with 99% DNA similarity.
Next are gorillas with 98%, and then orangutans with 97% similar DNA
to humans.
However, according to the new study,
15% of the human genome is more similar to the gorilla than to the
chimpanzee. In addition, although humans still have the closest overall
genetic match with chimpanzees,
humans have more individual genes like those of gorillas. These genes allow
gorillas to have more human abilities than other apes, such as better
hearing.
The researchers also learned about
the anatomical changes in each ape
species, as they evolved from a common ancestor.
By comparing such genetic evidence from all Great Ape species, researchers
hope they can solve the mystery of how humans genetically became capable of
higher thinking.
Now, researchers are planning to
study the bonobo, the only Great Ape whose genome has not yet been decoded.
The bonobo is closely related to chimpanzees, and scientists believe they
will also reveal genes that are very similar to those of humans.
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Viewpoint Discussion
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.
Discussion A
·
Do
you believe that humans evolved from apes? Why or why not?
·
What
other similarities can you point out between apes and humans?
Discussion B
·
What
do you think is the importance of genomics or the study of an organism’s genes?
·
Do
you think it will have a negative effect in the future? Why or why not?
