Listen&Learn: Biological immortality

Posted by: Jaksyn Peacock

Learn about the animals that don’t age

Pre-listening vocabulary

• immortality: the ability to live forever
• phenomenon: a natural process, especially a strange or unusual one
• species: a type of plant or animal
• reproduce: to create new cells
• DNA: chemicals that contain instructions for life
• reverse: to make something go backwards
• extend: to make something longer

Listening activity

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Gapfill exercise

Biological immortality is a very rare phenomenon. Most species go through a called senescence, which means the cells in their bodies stop reproducing over time. As these species get older, and death become much more likely. However, a few rare species do not experience senescence at all. Lobsters are one animal that does not age typically. They can their own DNA using a chemical called telomerase. Tortoises also appear to delay senescence. A species called the “immortal jellyfish” is the only animal believed to be truly biologically immortal. These jellyfish can still , but not of old age. This is because they have the ability to reverse their aging process entirely. Scientists study these slow-aging species in case their cells can help extend human .

Comprehension questions

See answers below

1. The process called “senescence” is when
   a. an animal’s cells stop reproducing
   b. an animal lives forever
   c. an animal reverses its life cycle
   
2. The only animal considered biologically immortal is
   a. the “immortal tortoise”
   b. the “immortal lobster”
   c. the “immortal jellyfish”
   
3. Scientists study slow-aging animals in case their cells can
   a. reveal information about the past
   b. help extend human lives
   c. bring extinct species back to life

Discussion/essay questions

1. Do you think it is possible for humans to reach biological immortality? Do you think it is a good idea? Why or why not?

Transcript

Biological immortality is a very rare phenomenon. Most species go through a process called senescence, which means the cells in their bodies stop reproducing over time. As these species get older, disease and death become much more likely. However, a few rare species do not experience senescence at all. Lobsters are one animal that does not age typically. They can repair their own DNA using a chemical called telomerase. Tortoises also appear to delay senescence. A species called the “immortal jellyfish” is the only animal believed to be truly biologically immortal. These jellyfish can still die, but not of old age. This is because they have the ability to reverse their aging process entirely. Scientists study these slow-aging species in case their cells can help extend human lives.

Answers to comprehension questions

1a 2c 3b

Written and recorded by Jaksyn Peacock for EnglishClub

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12 comments

• Victor Guevara says:
  

  Yes, I think that it is very possible that humans reach biological immortality. If it is a good or a bad idea we don’t know. We will know it when we cross that bridge.

• Mario says:
  

  My “longevity” would be welcome based on quality of LIFE!!!!!!! Maerio….Canada

• Ahmet sarıkaya says:
  

  I think finding immortality in this world is a very meaningless event. Why would I want to be immortal when a better life awaits us after death?

• Jellyfish says:
  

  In my opinion, it would be better if humans is not reach biological immortality because of the problems of increasing population. Humans will no longer have place to live and they will damage the environment. The poor will be poor forever and people don’t be scare of dying, so that people don’t want to try more.

• Miryam says:
  

  Was one important article for me . Thank you !

• SAMUEL BAMPEMBE says:
  

  It’s important lesson for me

• WANDERLEY BRAGA says:
  

  Amazing! I didn’t know It. Thank you so much, teacher!

• cruz says:
  

  Is important to have knowledge about senescence, and to know that lobsters are one animal that does not age typically and that they can repair their own DNA using a chemical called telomerase, that good knowledge for humans mainly for chemists that can pull apart this substance and have future applications.

• Diop says:
  

  Great very important to get knowledge about these creatures, we must remember that life start up from the water. Maybe the water is the key… to extend human lives. Not oil!!! Diop_

• Nguyen Thi Thu Huong says:
  

  I want to study English to communicate and connect with everybody in the world. I think English is very important… If I can speak good English it helps me be confident and develop a lot of skills more in my life. Thank you very much for giving me the chance.

• Moustafa says:
  

  Of course agree to attend this online classes

• DEYANANDAN says:
  

  Would like to attend communication classes online, alternative days evening 6pm to 7pm, preferable with native speakers. Once in a week-1 hour session- is also ok.