AI Helps Save Endangered Plants
AI technology is aiding botanists in identifying and preserving endangered plant species, potentially unlocking valuable genetic data.
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Standard — Natural English
54 words · ~1 min readEasy version (A2–B1)
AI is helping scientists save plants that are in danger of disappearing. Many plants provide food and medicine. About 40% of plants studied are at risk. New technology helps find and learn about these plants faster. This is important for our planet's health.Standard version (B1–B2)
Botanists are using AI and digitisation to combat the extinction of vital plants. A report from the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, highlights how technology helps track flowering times and identify new specimens. With 40% of assessed plant species at risk, this innovation is crucial for discovering potential medicines and sustainable crops before they vanish.Advanced version (C1–C2)
The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, has released a report indicating that the integration of AI and digitisation could be pivotal in the fight against plant extinction. This technology allows scientists to monitor changes in flowering times globally and to identify new specimens rapidly. Alarmingly, about 40% of the 70,000 assessed plant species are at risk of extinction, with many potential new medicines and crops disappearing before they can be documented. The situation for fungi is even more dire, as 90% of an estimated 2 million species remain unknown to science. The hope is that these advancements will facilitate the documentation and protection of biodiversity.Lesson audio
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Quick quiz
01What percentage of assessed plant species are at risk of extinction?
02What is one benefit of digitisation mentioned in the article?
03How many new plant species are recorded each year?
04What is the situation for fungi according to the article?
Key vocabulary
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digitisation word
the process of converting information into a digital format
“Digitisation allows scientists to access plant specimens online.”
extinction word
the state of a species no longer existing
“Many species are at risk of extinction due to environmental changes.”
specimens word
samples or examples of plants or animals for study
“Scientists study specimens to learn more about different species.”
genomic word
related to the genetic material of an organism
“The genomic data from fungi can help scientists understand their biology.”
sustainable word
able to be maintained without harming the environment
“Sustainable crops are important for food security and environmental health.”
Discussion prompt
How do you think AI could change the future of botany?