Using language

2 Listen to the head researcher talking to the campers at the end of the day. What three things were the campers asked to do?

C: Here at the camp we are wild about whales! Today you have been helping us with our whale research. First of all, we asked you to find out some facts for a whale profile. What did you find, Sally?

S: There are over 80 different species of whales. These include the blue whale, the largest known animal to have ever existed. They can grow to 100 feet long, and can weigh nearly 200 tons!  There are two main types of whale:those with teeth, and those without. Those without teeth eat very small organisms, whereas those with teeth eat fish and other larger sea animals. More than 70 species of whales have teeth.

C: Great! Then, we asked you to think about why we do whale research. Yes, Ben.

B: Firstly, it is to monitor how many whales there are. Whales are threatened by many factors, including climate change, pollution, and hunting. Secondly, it is to track where whales go, so we can understand more about them, like their life cycle. Lastly, we know that whales are very intelligent. They communicate and hunt using complex sounds, and even sing and share songs. They can learn by themselves and can teach the things they have learnt to their young. We want to understand more about this.

C: Very good, Ben. And lastly, we asked you to go out with us and write a report of the work we do. Can you give us your report, Luke?

L:Yes. First, we followed a group of whales with the boat. Then we took pictures of their fins. Most whales have slightly different fins and marks, which can help us to tell them apart. Meanwhile, we also noted their locations, so we can track their movements and plot their migration path. Later, we created a database of their fins and location. After that, we gave the group of whales a name, and each member a number. They will be added to the directory so we can identify them in the future. Finally, we contacted other whale research groups around the world to share the information with them.

C: Excellent! Thank you all for your help today.