The Week Junior UK - 02 July 2022

32 Pages·2022·43.7 MB·English

This week’s big news
Afghanistan’s fault lines
The Himalayas.
In the past year, there have
been 219 minor earthquakes in
Afghanistan. Earthquakes occur
when there is movement of
Earth’s tectonic plates. Tectonic
plates make up the outer shell
of our planet (known as the
crust). Earthquakes happen
frequently in Afghanistan
because a number of fault lines
– where tectonic plates meet –
M O U N TA I N lie deep beneath the country.
R A N G E The mountain range known as
Supplies to help earthquake TpBhahesu sHt atihmnra, aoCnluahdgyi nPhaaa nA,k mfIingstodhauainann,. tiNsateianpnsa , l ttimbshhy ifee lotl hHwiuoeinonm dcr yola)de,ll l’afaisosyr tirsaoam sanl lge(e owdosft. h a t Imehtro rewoeu uI anEnnsdvd tce ia4rarie0enna s , tte, d
victims is unloaded. and Eurasian tectonic plates.
Aid arrives in Afghanistan
International aid has started to arrive in Afghanistan drink, medicine and shelter to people, and medical Why does Afghanistan need so much
money from other countries?
following an earthquake on 22 June, which caused teams and ambulances have also arrived to give
significant damage across the country. The Taliban, medical attention to those who have been injured. Afghanistan is a poor country which has been badly
the group in charge of the Afghanistan government, UNICEF’s representative in Afghanistan, Dr Mohamed affected by war and drought among other things. It
requested aid from other countries and organisations Ayoya said, “We stand in solidarity with the children is run by the Taliban – a military and political group
to help with the impact of the crisis. and families affected during this time.” Nearby with extreme views. Following the Taliban’s rise to
countries such as Pakistan and Qatar have power in August 2021, many countries around
What happened in Afghanistan?
also been providing essential supplies to the world reduced the amount of money
The earthquake struck in the middle of the night those in need. they gave to Afghanistan. International
in the mountainous area of Paktika in eastern aid had previously made up 80% of
How is the UK helping?
Afghanistan. Tremors were also felt in India and the Afghan government’s budget.
Pakistan. More than 1,000 people have died, and Liz Truss, the Foreign Secretary, In May, the United Nations (a
3,000 have been injured. It is the worst earthquake announced on 24 June that the UK group of 183 countries that work
to have hit the country in two decades (twenty years), will provide a total of £2.5 million together) reported that 20 million
and many people’s homes have been completely for immediate life-saving support for people in Afghanistan were going
destroyed. Aftershocks have continued to be felt in people affected by the earthquake. hungry. Following the earthquake,
the area in the days following the disaster, and it is The government will provide £2 million UNICEF’s the Taliban blamed the funding cuts
Dr Ayoya.
currently unsafe for people to return. to the International Federation of the Red for making it harder to get help to those
Cross and £500,000 to another organisation working who have been affected. In the past, the Taliban has
What is being done to help?
on the ground to provide people with basic needs diverted aid supplies and money away from people
Organisations such as the Red Cross and the United such as water, medication and shelter. Truss said, in need and towards their supporters. They have
Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) have already “The recent earthquake is a tragedy for the people of now pledged not to interfere with other countries or
provided aid to people affected by the quake. Afghanistan. The scale of need was already severe organisations transporting essential supplies to help
Volunteers have arrived in the region to provide food, before the earthquake struck.” victims of the earthquake.
2 The Week Junior • 2 July 2022
This week’s big news B R E A K T I M E
Zenelde nwsakry b uyr gweisn Gte7r to Gliass hteolndb ounry a F feasrtmiv.al Gy“elfaaatslhrlt oeoew xnfcab yerutemporaty l rra fesions”c rd,oh ow veacelh dccria.h ceshavin oegcnrievya e l
Leaders of the G7, a group of wealthy countries,
heard from Ukrainian President Volodymyr
Zelensky as they met in Germany on 27 June.
The G7 is made up of seven of the world’s richest
and most powerful countries: the US, UK, Canada,
Japan, Germany, France and Italy. Speaking via video
link from his bunker in Kyiv, while the Ukrainian
capital was under attack from Russian missile strikes,
Zelensky asked the group of world leaders to help
end the war in his country by the end of this year.
From their meeting high in the Bavarian Alps,
Boris Johnson and fellow G7 leaders set out the
support they would provide to Zelensky, promising
to “stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes.” They
pledged to provide military equipment, as well as
training, and economic support to help Ukraine
Glastonbury’s record-breaking return
defeat the Russian invasion.
The leaders also discussed how to deal with the
impact of the war elsewhere in the world – such Glastonbury Festival, one of the biggest music the oldest at 80. Other performers included Olivia
as the effect on energy costs which are increasing events in the world, was finally able to celebrate Rodrigo, Kendrick Lamar and Little Simz, while there
rapidly. They announced new measures intended its 50th anniversary as it returned for the first was a “secret set” from George Ezra.
to stop Russia making extra money from selling oil time since the pandemic. The festival Glastonbury Festival has become a
to fund its invasion of Ukraine. They said they were was first held in 1970 as a concert place to raise awareness of social
“working to make sure Russia does not exploit its for about 1,500 music fans. This and political issues, and this
position as an energy producer.” year, 200,000 people attended year was no exception. The
the festival at Worthy Farm, young Swedish activist Greta
near the village of Pilton in Thunberg demanded action on
south-west England. While climate change, saying, “It will
festival-goers faced challenges get worse until we manage to
including train strikes and halt the constant destruction of
unpredictable weather they didn’t our life-supporting systems.”
stop people enjoying the event. The burning of a memorial lotus
This year’s star-studded line-up had Olivia flower sculpture, by artist Joe Rush,
Rodrigo
something for all ages: 20-year-old Billie Eilish gave many a chance to pay tribute to people
Zelensky talks
became the youngest solo headline act to perform who died during the pandemic, at the same time as
to G7 leaders.
on the main stage, while Paul McCartney became celebrating the return of the festival.
IT’S AN AMAZING WEEK FOR…
A SPECTACULAR DINO TRAIL
DISCOVERING DORMICE On 27 June, a trail of dinosaur and
Derek takes mammoth sculptures popped up
The discovery of tiny dormice pawprints at
the exam.
across Norfolk to raise money for
a nature reserve in Worcestershire, England,
charity. In Norwich, 55
has sparked hope that the species is making
T. rex sculptures decorated
a comeback. The Worcestershire Wildlife
by artists and measuring
N. Trust said the pawprints show that their
O two metres tall, have
AS conservation work has helped.
M
H been dotted around
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EFA · MY · the ripe old age of 92. Derek Skipper took the trail has raised more
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2 July 2022 • The Week Junior 3
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Theresa May
apologised.
In the 2010s, some people from
the Windrush generation were
wrongfully thought to be living
in the UK illegally. They were
denied access to the National
Health Service, lost their jobs,
and some were forced to leave
the UK, even though they were
British citizens. The Prime
Minister at the time, Theresa
May, apologised. Only one in
four people who have applied
for Government compensation
money have received any.
Windrush statue unveiled
Anew statue honouring the Windrush stated that people who lived in British colonies contribution to the development and culture of Britain
generation has been put up in (countries then run by Britain) were British is being recognised in this way.”
London’s Waterloo station. The citizens and could live and work in
How did people react?
National Windrush Monument Britain. At the time, Britain needed to
was unveiled to the public on rebuild following the Second World The unveiling of the statue was attended by the Duke
Windrush Day, 22 June. War (1939–1945). Organisations and Duchess of Cambridge, as well as Basil Watson
such as the National Health Service and Baroness Floella Benjamin. Professor Gus John
Who were the
(NHS) and London Transport recruited turned down his invitation because he said the UK
Windrush generation?
workers from the Caribbean and other Government was responsible for racism that “has
The Windrush generation is the former colonies. violated the human rights” of many people in the
Basil
name used to describe the hundreds UK. Others have criticised the statue because they
Watson
What does the monument show?
of thousands of people from the Caribbean say that instead of spending money on a monument,
who moved to Britain between 1948 and 1973. The National Windrush Monument was created by the Government should be making sure that people
The group is named after the Empire Windrush, artist Basil Watson. The statue depicts a mother, father affected by the Windrush scandal (see panel) are
a ship that brought around 800 people from the and child arriving in London after coming to Britain compensated. However, Government minister
Caribbean to the UK in 1948. At that time a new law by ship. Talking about the statue, Watson said, “I’ve Michael Gove said the statue was a “profoundly
was passed, called the British Nationality Act. This seen people moved to tears because their tremendous moving moment” for the Windrush generation.
WORD WEEK THIS WEEK IN HISTORY
OF
THE
7 July 1928
DORMOUSE
Sliced bread becomes available to buy
A dormouse is a tiny, mouse-like rodent with It is thought sliced bread was first available to buy
a bushy tail, long whiskers and big round on 7 July 1928 in Missouri, US, thanks to a man
eyes. Its name is based on the French word called Otto Rohwedder who invented a bread-
dormir, meaning “to sleep”, because the slicing machine. Before this loaves of bread had to
dormouse is a sleepy creature be sliced at home. It was a big hit – one newspaper
that likes to hibernate for said it was “definitely better than anyone could
six months or more, possibly slice by hand with a bread knife.” The
Sliced
between the seasons of saying “the best thing since sliced bread” to
bread.
autumn and spring. describe something great is still used today.
The Week Junior • 2 July 2022
UK news
Richard
Foord MP
Losses put pressure on PM
Calls for Boris Johnson to resign have grown after
losses for his political party, the Conservatives,
in two by-elections. A by-election happens when an
area loses its Member of Parliament (MP) between
general elections. The Conservatives lost to the Labour
Party in Wakefield, West Yorkshire, and to the Liberal
Democrats in Tiverton and Honiton, Devon. Richard
Foord became the new Liberal Democrat MP in an area D I D YO U
where the Conservatives had won easily in 2019. W ?
K N O
Stwoi mtamkee ars p plurenpgaer.e Ath 2au0tp 1w S29To4 sEm%uMre vonwef ooy t nrhsklehye o rUmswK.ae’skd e Connie Gray (left)
and Avye Couloute.
Teen students make STEM history
Two female students have made history at the The competition was hosted at the Big Bang Fair
Scottish sea swim is back
2022 Big Bang UK Young Scientists and Engineers in Birmingham, which ran from 22 to 24 June, and
Competition, after they won the top two awards. is a free celebration of STEM for 11 to 14-year-olds.
Aonce-popular outdoor swim in the Scottish
It’s the first time both top prizes have been won by More than 40,000 young people enjoyed activities
highlands took place on 25 June, for the first
girls. The two winners were Connie Gray and Avye such as slime-making, drone-flying and using virtual
time in 50 years. The Kessock Ferry Swim saw people
Couloute, who are both 14 years old. reality (VR) to look at how the oceans can
swimming across 1,200 metres of sea water in the
Gray won the UK’s Young Scientist be saved. The organisers aimed to
Beauly Firth between North Kessock and South
award for her research comparing inspire young people to consider
Kessock, near Inverness. A safety crew accompanied
the structures of birds’ feathers careers in STEM.
the 300 swimmers who took part and the youngest
from different environments A survey was carried out
person to complete the swim was seven years old.
and climates. Her aim was before the event to find out
The event raised money for local charities.
to help with conservation how many young people are
E
R
WI
A efforts in areas around the interested in STEM subjects
P
ERS/ world that are most affected and careers. It found that
ET
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G by climate change. 40% of 11 to 16-year-olds
U
O
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R Couloute won the UK’s said a career in STEM would
AI
NG F Young Engineer award for allow them to make positive
A
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BIG inventing a device to measure change in the world.
E
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©T the levels of carbon dioxide (CO ) in The Big Dr Hilary Leevers, who was
N · 2
ETITIO Attlee with Sir a building, in an attempt to improve air Bang Fair. involved in organising the fair, said, “It’s
MP Lindsay Hoyle. quality. Reducing CO levels could benefit really encouraging that people are embracing
O 2
G C Parliament has new kitten classrooms and offices. STEM at an early age. We need more young people
N
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G Both winners received prizes of £2,000 to from all backgrounds to understand the role that
BI
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VIS/TH Anew cat has been introduced to the Houses of continue their journeys in science, technology, STEM careers play, and for more of them to go on to
N-A Parliament in Westminster, London. He has engineering, and maths (STEM). work in science, engineering and technology.”
O
KINS been named Attlee, after Clement Attlee who was
WIL THE WEEK’S SILLIEST HEADLINE
E UK Prime Minister from 1945 to 1951. Attlee the cat
OLLI
© belongs to the Speaker of the House of Commons, Sir
AGES · Lindsay Hoyle. He described Attlee as “a bold little “Man beats rail strike by paddling to work
M
Y I kitten” who has brought “much joy” to the Speaker’s
ETT in £74 kayak”
G
Y · office. The Speaker is the person who is in charge of Sky News
M
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AL debates in the House of Commons.
2 July 2022 • The Week Junior 5
Around the world
Washington DC, US Vienna, Austria
Native American to serve as treasurer Vienna named top city
US President Joe Biden has named Marilynn Malerba as The Austrian capital, Vienna, has been
treasurer. Her job includes overseeing the US Mint, where named as the world’s most “liveable”
the country’s coins are made. Malerba is chief of the city in a report by The Economist.
Mohegan Tribe and will be the first Native American to Denmark’s capital city, Copenhagen,
have this job. Native Americans are descendants of people came second. The report ranked
who lived in the US before European settlers took over. 173 cities according to the quality of
services such as education, healthcare
and public transport. Six European
cities featured in the Top 10, along
with three cities in Canada and one
Vienna
each in Australia and Japan.
Marilynn
Malerba
Bogota, Colombia
First black female vice president
Francia Márquez, a woman who previously worked as
a maid, has become Colombia’s first black female vice
president (second in command to the president). She was
elected with the new president, Gustavo Petro, on 19 June.
Márquez is also an award-winning environment activist.
She hopes to make life better for women in Colombia.
Petro and
Márquez.
Quito, Ecuador
Fuel prices to be cut after protests
Ecuador’s president Guillermo Lasso has promised to cut
fuel prices after weeks of protests against rising food and
fuel costs in the country. Lasso agreed to reduce the price
of fuel by 10 cents a gallon, but this is only a third of what
protesters asked for. Talks between the government and Kigali, Rwanda
protesters are expected to continue. Gabon and Togo
join the Commonwealth
A
EL
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The Commonwealth, a group of over N
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©
50 countries that mostly used to be K ·
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part of the British Empire, has RST
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accepted Togo and Gabon’s bid to join. UTT
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X S
The two west African countries were E
R
announced as members at the ERS ·
UT
E
Commonwealth summit in Rwanda’s Y · R
M
capital, Kigali. Rwanda’s president, ALA
Protesters in Ecuador’s Paul Kagame, said, “We all welcome The summit GES ·
A
capital city, Quito. in Kigali. M
them to the Commonwealth family.” Y I
ETT
G
6 The Week Junior • 2 July 2022
Around the world
Stockholm, Sweden China
The flying ferry.
Flying ferry launched Painter from the past is in demand
People in Stockholm, the capital of Chinese painter Zhang Daqian died almost 40 years ago,
Sweden, will soon be able to “fly” across but he is now being recognised as one of the 20th
the water in a new electric boat. The century’s greatest artists. He worked in several styles,
Candela P-12 shuttle will be the fastest including traditional Chinese ink landscapes and modern
and longest-range electric ship yet built. art. Demand for Daqian’s work is growing and one of his
Its hydrofoil technology uses special paintings recently sold for £38 million at an auction.
underwater wings that raise the main
part of the boat above the water. The
new design will be used as a passenger
ferry, and the smooth “flying” movement
should help to prevent seasickness.
Daqian and one
of his paintings
Japan
Silent lunchtimes ending in schools
For two years, pupils in schools across Japan have been
observing mokushoku (silent eating) to reduce the spread
of Covid-19. Schools have started to lift this rule because
Covid-19 infections have fallen. The decision has divided
parents. Some are pleased their children can talk to friends
again, while others think it’s too early to lift the rule.
Pupils can chat
over lunch again.
Stung Treng, Cambodia
World’s largest freshwater fish found
The largest freshwater fish ever recorded was caught in
the Mekong River. Freshwater refers to lakes and rivers,
rather than the salty sea. Weighing 300 kilograms, the
giant stingray was tagged by scientists and released back
Bangkok, Thailand into the river so it can be studied. Because of its shape it has
Capital’s new park been named Boramy (“full moon” in the Khmer language).
A new park in Thailand’s capital, Boramy the
Bangkok, has been providing locals giant stingray.
with a dose of nature in the middle of
their hectic city. Up to 12,000 people
visit the park each day at weekends.
The area already contained around
1,700 trees, but architects who
redesigned the site have added 7,000
more to create small forests throughout
the park. The project is part of an effort
The new park.
to make Bangkok greener by 2030.
2 July 2022 • The Week Junior 7
The big debate
Should Minnie ditch her famous frock?
Some people think Minnie Mouse
Minnie in the dress
needs a change of outfit. and trouser suit.
What you need to know
In March 2022, Minnie Mouse swapped
her classic red polka-dot dress for a blue
trouser suit in celebration of 30 years of
Disneyland Paris, as well as Women’s
History Month (honouring women’s
contributions to society).
A trouser suit is a women’s outfit
designed to look like a traditional men’s
suit. It was first worn in the 1920s and
has become a symbol of women’s
equality with men.
D I D YO U
In recent years, many books, films and W ?
K N O
TV shows have been updated to reflect
manodd ienrsnp siroicnige tryo,l ea nmdo tdoe plsr ofovird yeo puonsgi tive naMminen iise M’s ifnuellr va
viewers and readers. Mouse.
Yes – Minnie should move with the times No – it doesn’t matter what Minnie wears
In March, Minnie Mouse switched the spotty dress
she’s been wearing since 1928 for a stylish trouser Change is good and should be embraced. If characters So many generations of children (and adults) have
suit. The temporary outfit change was to celebrate 30 from books, TV programmes and films are not loved Minnie in her red, polka dot dress – she has
years of Disneyland Paris, and Women’s History refreshed for new generations, they get stale and worn it since she was created almost 100 years ago.
Month. The suit was created by Stella McCartney, boring. What’s more, characters need to move with The frock is famous in its own right and it’s a big part
who describes herself as “a female designer who the times in order to remain relevant and reflect of Minnie’s identity; it’s one of the reasons why she is
celebrates women’s rights”. It received a mixed society as it is today. It’s especially important as so recognisable. The dress is also a piece of history –
reaction from Disney fans and the wider public. Some children learn from what they read and watch, and for it’s a symbol of a different time when people wore
agreed that Minnie needed a more modern look and some, Minnie Mouse is a role model. Dresses and more traditional attire. Besides, there is nothing
others wanted her to stick with her traditional polka skirts look nice but they aren’t always practical – no wrong with wearing a dress – people should wear
dotted frock. It’s not only Minnie who’s had a one should be held back by having to wear an outfit what they want to, and that includes Minnie. In any
makeover. Many books, films and TV shows have that defines them as one thing or that stops them case, Minnie is just a cartoon character so it doesn’t
been updated to be more in tune with the times. from feeling comfortable or being active. Minnie’s really matter what she wears because she’s not real.
Minnie is back in her classic, spotty dress for now, but modern trouser suit reinforces the fact that girls and After all, Donald Duck wears nothing at all on his
is it time for her to change into trousers permanently? women can be, and can wear, whatever they want. bottom half and nobody says anything about that.
Three reasons Minnie should Three reasons Minnie should
Scan the QR code
YES NO
Junior to hear both sides ditch her famous spotty frock keep her famous spotty frock
SH W of this debate on
our podcast. 1 She’s been wearing that frock for 1 People love Minnie in her dress. It may
almost 100 years. She and the next be a bit old-fashioned but it is an
LAST WEEK’S POLL generation of fans deserve a new-look, important part of her identity and a
modern Minnie. symbol of the time in which the
Last week, we asked our
character was created.
2 Characters should reflect society today,
readers if CBBC should 18%
be removed from live YES and Minnie Mouse is an important role 2 W hat’s wrong with wearing a red
model for many children. polka dot dress anyway?
TV. Your feelings are
clear – a majority of 3 Dresses aren’t always practical. Minnie 3 Minnie is a cartoon mouse. Why do
82%
you voted no to the should permanently exchange her dress people take her clothes and what she
NO
free children’s channel for a trouser suit – it shows that women wears so seriously? People don’t insist
being online only. can be and wear what they want. Donald Duck should wear trousers.
K
C
O
WHAT DO YOU THINK? Now that you’ve read a bit more about it, tell us what you think by voting in our poll at theweekjunior.co.uk/polls. RST
E
Vote YES if you think Minnie Mouse should ditch her famous frock, or NO if you don’t. We’ll publish the results next week. HUTT
X S
E
R
8 The aim of the Big debate page is to present two sides of an issue fairly and objectively, in order to stimulate discussion and allow our readers to make up their minds. The Week Junior • 2 July 2022
The views on the page do not reflect those of The Week Junior, and the page is not funded by third parties. The page is created in association with the English-Speaking
Union, an educational charity helping young people discover their voice and realise their full potential. For more information, please see esu.org
People
A winner
Phil
Earle
with words
Phil Earle talks about his prize-winning new book.
When the Children’s Fiction Book of the animal’s friendly reputation:
of the Year was announced at “There are lots of real examples of kids
the recent British Book Awards, one falling into monkey enclosures and
person was especially surprised. being protected by gorillas.”
“I literally didn’t have a When the Sky Falls also
clue,” the winning describes Joseph’s battles
author, Phil Earle, tells with anger and bullying.
The Week Junior. The Earle says it is important for
other nominees were children to learn about these
so good, he says, “it was things, but for him the story
nice just to be breathing always comes first: “The
the same oxygen.” most important thing is how
Earle’s winning book, it makes me feel.”
When the Sky Falls, is Earle’s the author of 20
ath peo bwoenrdfu bl esttworeye anb ao ut thepmu b–l Disehmedo blitoiookns D aandd –o nise o onf N E X T U P
bWcMloaaoysgrT slaohdicnre Widw ai dnaaae ’rrgs.ta ioHGm freooiel orlt aotdta hondlekeiug sprihn,il notss guptM cictrhihaas emttaei soSer en M Tfc rofoiorcmonmhmd.e al l e TbltiihvoneeoyJo ukeWilrnvile se.octenu oakrtm n roJedu/naT n dh1Wiieon6’gJr lJ’-l sc utbh hlSeayeu.l wl ameFpnienmgpedeeke ajoru ruonintfi ogmRr ealoiatvr deeo iuanrtg extPoph ltpoihle’rseeo W n Spweelaehxcr’tao ss tb ntp ahoderao tWtpske pdowwe.rhilnldlee n d
real-life tale about a lion in a wartime theweekjunior.co.uk/
zoo, but Earle chose a gorilla because summerofreading
A chef bringing hope
THEY SAID IT!
Hiromi Tango
Spanish chef José Andrés is highly regarded for his
cooking skills, but it’s his humanitarian work that “Going for a
has made him a hero. In 2010, he founded World
walk and
Central Kitchen, a non-profit organisation that brings
earwigging
food to areas hit by disaster. “I have always believed
in the power of food to change the world,” he says. “It is the best.”
can bring some comfort and hope, some light during
Award winning author,
a long and difficult journey.” His efforts to provide
Sharna Jackson, told The
meals to people living through the war in Ukraine Week Junior how she
have earned him a nomination for CNN Heroes fires up her imagination
for writing. Jackson will
Salutes. Andrés is “super proud” but says he couldn’t
be talking about her
do it without his 7,000 team members.
latest book The Good
Turn at our Summer of
The rainbow artist José Andrés
Reading Live! event at the
British Library on 16 July.
Hiromi Tango, an artist based in Australia, is known Find out more at
tinyurl.com/TWJ-
for her rainbow-themed artwork. Her newest
theweekjuniorlive
piece, Rainbow Dream: Moon Rainbow, was on
display in Hobart, Australia, in June. The installation
ES
G
A was a playground inside a warehouse, and featured
M
Y I
ETT rainbow-painted walls, a human-sized hamster
G
Y · wheel, and platforms painted by various artists. She
A
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UA F loves experimenting with bright colours to see how
H
OS
©J they interact with people’s brains and increase their
N ·
O happiness. She told The Guardian, “Colours help my
AS
M
H heart and mind to heal, and perhaps those beautiful
A
R
A
©S colours allow people to connect, too. That’s my wish.”
2 July 2022 • The Week Junior 9
Animals and the environment
Norfolk’s rainbow visitors
India’s colourful
sunsongbird.
A flock of seven bee-eaters – colourful
birds more often found in southern
Europe and north Africa – arrived at
a disused quarry in Norfolk, England,
in early June and began to dig nest
burrows. They eat bees, dragonflies
and other flying insects. UK sightings
of the so-called “rainbow birds,” have
been increasing over the past 20 years;
bird experts have linked their
increasingly common visits in recent
years to rising average temperatures.
Spectacular
bee-eaters.
T R O P I C A L
PA R A D I S E
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Tropical birds pack more colour
A new study has shown that tropical birds (those bird, producing millions of readings that could then Cooney from the UK’s University of Sheffield, who
from regions of the world that are warm be processed to get a scientific measurement of just led the study, said, “Even though this had been a
throughout the year) really are more colourful than how colourful each bird was. hypothesis [theory] for a long time, direct evidence at
birds from other parts of the world. This has The results showed that birds this level was surprisingly scarce until now.”
been something that has long been from west Africa, Southeast Asia The researchers still don’t know for sure why
suspected, but has never been proven. and the Amazon rainforest in South tropical birds are more colourful. However, they think
Scientists from the UK and America are nearly one third that stable temperatures and plentiful food in the
Hungary looked at more than more colourful than those from warm countries where they live give them a more
24,000 pictures of 4,500 bird other regions. They had more constant source of energy, which allows them to
specimens from all around the intense and more varied colours produce more complex colours. Diet could also be a
world. The pictures are kept at the than birds from cooler regions factor; tropical fruits are richer in pigment (colouring)
Natural History Museum collection of the northern hemisphere. chemicals, which may give the birds brighter feathers.
in Tring, England. The researchers What’s more, the most colourful The study will help researchers identify hotspots
used computers to measure the colour Africa’s lilac- birds tend to be those that live in of colourful bird life, highlighting habitats that need
breasted roller.
and intensity of different feathers on each densely forested areas. Christopher to be protected if these brilliant species are to survive.
U R
T E

Black garden ants take flight
A Worker black
S
ants do not fly.
N P
Y
Nesting on lawns, at the base of walls or them to produce a sweet liquid called honeydew.
under stones, black ants are very easy to Black ants live in colonies that mostly consist of
find. They may seem to exist to ruin picnics, but wingless worker ants that are unable to breed.
these black or dark brown insects are an In July and August, however, winged
important part of a healthy garden. queens and males emerge for a
They eat almost anything mating flight. About twice the size
(including other ants), but have a of a “normal” ant, these giants
sweet tooth for sugary treats, burst from all the nests in an
and will even “farm” aphids area when conditions are right,
(sap-sucking flies) to encourage resulting in a “flying ant day”.
10 The Week Junior • 2 July 2022
A flying ant