การฟัง TOEFL

🎧 บทถอดเสียง

Listen to part of a lecture in an environmental science class. Professor: Today we're going to talk about a fascinating example of how species adapt to extreme environments: the Pompeii worm, which lives near hydrothermal vents on the ocean floor. These vents release superheated water, often exceeding 100 degrees Celsius, and yet the worm thrives in temperatures that would kill most other organisms. How does it do this? Recent research shows that the worm has a symbiotic relationship with bacteria living on its back. These bacteria form a protective layer that insulates the worm from the heat. Additionally, the worm produces a heat-shock protein that helps repair cellular damage. But here's the twist: the bacteria themselves are also adapted to high temperatures, and they may even provide nutrients to the worm. This partnership is a prime example of co-evolution in harsh conditions. Now, what's particularly interesting is that the worm's habitat is not just hot—it's also highly toxic, with sulfide and heavy metals. Yet, the worm and its bacteria have developed mechanisms to detoxify these substances. So, in many ways, this creature challenges our assumptions about the limits of life on Earth.