Unlock 2 – Unit 4 – Listening 2 – Race Against Time – Quiz
Let’s take a closer look at the urgent need to save India’s Western Ghats rainforests and the endangered Purple Frog from the dangers of global warming. Scientists and researchers are warning us about deforestation and climate change, which could seriously affect the biodiversity of our planet. We’ll uncover how protecting these forests is vital for the survival of unique species and learn about the efforts led by experts like Sathyabhama Das Biju. Can we come together to protect these incredible natural treasures before it’s too late?
About This Listening: Race Against Time
This listening exercise is based on Unlock 2, Unit 4, Listening 2. You’ll hear a discussion about the Western Ghats rainforests in India, one of the world’s biodiversity hotspots, and the race to protect endangered species like the Purple Frog before habitat loss and climate change make recovery impossible. Listen for the causes of the threat, the species affected, and the conservation efforts being made, then answer the comprehension questions below.
Key Vocabulary
- Biodiversity hotspot – a region with an exceptionally high number of plant and animal species, many found nowhere else.
- Endangered species – a species at serious risk of extinction in the near future.
- Deforestation – the clearing or removal of forests, often for farming or development.
- Habitat loss – the destruction or degradation of the natural environment a species depends on.
For more on this ecosystem, see the IUCN’s work on species conservation.
Continue practicing with Unlock 2 Unit 4, Listening 1: The Sunshine Effect.
FAQ
Why is the Purple Frog important?
The Purple Frog is an ancient species found only in the Western Ghats. Its decline signals broader threats to the rainforest ecosystem, making it a key indicator species for conservationists studying the region’s health.
What is being done to protect the Western Ghats?
Researchers and conservationists are studying endangered species, raising awareness of deforestation’s impact, and working with local communities and governments to protect remaining rainforest habitat.
