The Week Junior USA - 22 July 2022

32 Pages·2022·31.4 MB·English

This week’s big news
Math prizes presented
DOUBLE
HONOR
SttFahoFterree m PCereoderlos iUnimad SnPe tdSonw ewt1iic9acerel9el l,M t3 ria.enerc dy1e a9oilv9f oe 1df
Maryna
Viazovska
On July 5, four mathematicians
were awarded the Fields
Medal, which has been given
out every four years since 1936
to top math scholars under the
age of 40. The winners included
Maryna Viazovska, age 37. She
is from Ukraine and only the
second woman to receive the
Simone Biles receives
the medal from medal. The awards were given
President Joe Biden. out in Helsinki, Finland.
Presidential medals awarded
President Joe Biden awarded a prestigious honor and World Championship medals and is the Who are some past winners?
called the Presidential Medal of Freedom to most accomplished gymnast in US history. Another
The medal has been awarded to many
17 people on July 7. Recipients included athletes, Olympic medalist and world champion, soccer star
prominent people over the years, including
educators, leaders in technology and business, Megan Rapinoe, also received the award. Biden
photographer and environmentalist Ansel
elected officials, and civil rights champions. honored two US Senators: John McCain of Arizona,
Adams in 1980, civil rights hero Rosa Parks in
who died in 2018, and Alan Simpson of Wyoming
What is the medal? 1996, baseball legend Hank Aaron in 2002,
(who retired in 1996). General Wilma Vaught,
astronaut Sally Ride in 2013, and singer Bruce
The medal is the nation’s highest civilian (non-
one of the most decorated women in US military
Springsteen in 2016. In a surprise ceremony
military) honor, given to people who have made
history, received the medal, as did Fred Gray, one
in 2017, Biden himself was awarded the
important contributions to American society,
of the first Black members of the Alabama state
Presidential Medal of Freedom by President
culture, and security or to world peace. In 1945,
government and an attorney who fought for civil
Barack Obama. At the time, Biden had served
President Harry S. Truman created the Medal of
rights. Biden also honored Julieta García, the first
nearly eight years as Obama’s Vice President
Freedom to honor important service by civilians
Mexican American woman to serve as a college
and more than 30 years in the Senate.
during World War Two (1939–1945). In
president, and Steve Jobs, the co-founder of
1963, President John F. Kennedy
How did people react?
Apple, who died in 2011.
added the word “Presidential” and
“I’m very proud to be here,” said Cindy McCain,
broadened it to include cultural
How were the awards given?
who accepted the award on behalf of her husband,
achievements. In announcing
The winners, who learned they John McCain. “John was a leader because he
this year’s recipients, a White
would receive the medal in a believed in the value of human dignity. He believed
House statement said, “These
personal phone call from Biden, in the value of the United States of America.”
17 Americans demonstrate the
were invited to a ceremony at Megan Rapinoe, who has advocated for equal pay
power of possibilities and embody President John
the White House. In keeping with for women as well as for LGBTQ causes, said she
the soul of the nation—hard work, F. Kennedy
tradition, the President introduced was truly honored. Rapinoe added that she feels
perseverance, and faith.”
each person and then fastened the medal “as inspired and motivated as ever to continue
Who received the medal this year?
around their neck. For those receiving the this long history of fighting for the freedoms of
The honorees included Simone Biles, age 25, award posthumously (after they died)— all people.” For a full list of winners and their
who is the youngest person ever to receive the including McCain and Jobs—Biden presented accomplishments, see the White House summary
award. Biles has won a combined 32 Olympic the medal to family members. at tinyurl.com/TWJUS-MedalOfFreedom.
2 The Week Junior • July 22, 2022
This week’s big news
Muslims make
DID YOU
Ohonth Jeu wllyy o7r,l do ngjea tomheillrieuodn iMnr Munselicmcaes, f aro cymity a i rno uSanudd i fTohSuteinhr CdeRo eoond blKds eieneiNnrrs ttv t thOPa hpeteeoiW evU lweli.Kt ioIP? ctir naail sdl r 1 tpo.8y an 3wre4t aio ebsfs y
Arabia, to begin an annual pilgrimage of five to six
days known as hajj. Muslims are followers of the
religion of Islam. This was the largest hajj since the
start of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Muslims consider Mecca the birthplace of the
prophet Muhammad, the founder of Islam. Every
Muslim who can make the journey is expected
to complete hajj once in their lifetime. Men wear
UK Prime Minister
plain white clothes, while women wear plain
Boris Johnson
clothes and hijab (a type of head covering).
Boris Johnson to step down
Attendees perform rituals, including praying and
walking seven times around the Kaaba, a cube-
shaped shrine in the middle of the city’s Grand
Mosque (place of worship). Boris Johnson, who has served as the UK’s prime Number 10 Downing Street (the prime minister’s
Before Covid-19, more than 2 million people minister (similar to the President) since 2019, home and office), for which he later apologized.
attended hajj every year. In 2020, about 1,000 announced on July 7 that he will step down. The In June, after a public outcry, the Conservative
Muslims were permitted to attend. In 2021, news follows recent scandals and the resignations Party held a vote on whether Johnson should stay
about 60,000 were allowed. Those attending of key members of Johnson’s government. in power. He won the vote. On July 5, however,
this year are required to have been vaccinated Johnson, age 58, leads the Conservative calls for him to step down reached new levels
against Covid-19 and be under age 65. Party. In the UK, voters elect members of when 59 members of his government resigned
Parliament (similar to Congress) in a general in protest of his leadership. “It is clearly now the
Praying at hajj election, and the leader of the party that wins will of the Parliamentary Conservative Party that
in Saudi Arabia
the most seats becomes prime minister. there should be a new leader of that party and
In recent months, Johnson was accused of therefore a new prime minister,” Johnson said in
ignoring the illegal or inappropriate behavior of announcing his resignation.
members of his government. He was also found Some critics feel Johnson should be removed
to have disobeyed Covid-19 lockdown rules immediately. But he said he plans to remain in
between May 2020 and April 2021. During that the job until a replacement is selected, which is
time, Johnson hosted and attended parties at expected to happen in September.
National news
DID YOU Mascots of World Games
KNOW?
OAnl aD2be2acnemdtmh aseb tb aeuetrnec 1ia ot4mon, .ej1o8 tin1h9 e , Vtghouedlc R aoonfm ,fi raen,
and Vesta, the
Roman goddess
of the hearth
and home, are
the mascots
for this year’s
The Vulcan
World Games.
statue
They were
inspired by the world’s largest
cast-iron statue, which has stood
in Birmingham, Alabama, since
US athletes march in
1936. It depicts Vulcan and was
the opening ceremony
made by artist Giuseppe Moretti.
of the World Games.
World Games begin in Alabama
On July 7, the 11th edition of the World What are some of the sports? any other country. Their performances were
Games opened in Birmingham, Alabama. inspiring to many people watching because
Some of the sports are variations of Olympic
The event features a series of Olympic-style Russia invaded Ukraine in February and the war
sports. Gymnasts can compete in acrobatics and
competitions showcasing the abilities of about continues. In a surprising outcome, the Egyptian
trampoline, for example, and speed skaters can race
3,600 athletes from more than 100 countries. sumo wrestler Abdelrahman Elsefy won a gold
wearing in-line skates (skates on wheels). Some
medal, then was disqualified for celebrating,
What are the World Games? of the more unusual sports include orienteering
then was granted a rematch and won again.
(running while navigating by map and compass)
Created to highlight new and fast-growing sports,
Randall Woodfin, the mayor of Birmingham,
and DanceSport (competitive dancing). New events
the World Games is organized with the support
said the city was proud to host the event.
for 2022 include drone racing, kickboxing, and
of the International Olympic Committee (IOC). It
mixed-gender tug of war. Several events that began What will happen next?
is held every four years during the summer that
at the World Games, such as beach volleyball, are
follows the Summer Olympic Games. Athletes The next World Games, in August 2025, will
now part of the Summer Olympics.
compete in 223 medal events across 34 sports. As take place in Chengdu, China. The number of

with the Olympics, a different host city is chosen participating athletes will increase to more than
What have been some highlights?
for each of the Games. This is the second time a 4,000, and the process of deciding which sports
US city has hosted. Santa Clara, California, hosted Three days into the World Games, athletes to include will begin after the closing ceremony
the first World Games in 1981. from Ukraine had won more medals (17) than in Birmingham on July 17.

WORD WEEK THE WEEK IN HISTORY
OF
THE
July 17, 1955
MEDAL
Disneyland opens in California
A medal can look very much like a large On July 17, 1955, Disneyland opened in
coin, and that is exactly how the word Anaheim, California. The theme park was
began, with the Latin medalia, which designed and built under the direction of
meant “half a denarius,” an ancient animator Walt Disney, who told visitors,
Roman silver coin. The word “Disneyland is your land.” Within a few weeks,
traveled through Italian and more than one million people had visited the
French before arriving in park. Disneyland now attracts about 18 million
Mickey Mouse
English as “medal” in the guests a year. In 1971, Disney World, a larger
at Disneyland
16th century. version of the park, opened in Orlando, Florida.
4 The Week Junior • July 22, 2022
National news
WOW!
Lohsac oAosf lmc aatar mm5an8iyoluso-sn mn,t ihNtsiyla eet’tsow n lghi enMeiltkltwse ht xaheoinrecr.kod ,
Minions:
The Rise of Gru
Summer movie record broken
Minions: The Rise of Gru, the fifth film in the
Despicable Me franchise, broke a record for a July
4th holiday weekend opening with $125.2 million
in box office sales. The previous record of $115.9
million was set in 2011 by Transformers: Dark of the
Moon. The Despicable Me franchise has made the
most money of any animated movie franchise in
A view of Los Alamos
history, taking in $4 billion worldwide.
County in New Mexico
Nation’s healthiest communities ranked
The healthiest communities in the US were and a large national laboratory located there
announced on June 22 by US News & World provides the community with an appreciation for
Report. The communities that topped the list scientific research. Falls Church, which achieved
this year were Los Alamos County in New perfect scores on education and the economy,
Mike Grier Mexico, Falls Church County in Virginia, and also scored high on community walkability and
Douglas County in Colorado. access to the internet and public transportation.
Historic hire for hockey team
US News has conducted an annual study of Other counties were lauded for providing access to
Mike Grier has been named the new general the health of communities for the past five years. grocery stores and farmer’s markets, clean air and
manager (GM) of the San Jose Sharks, a National It looked at about 3,000 communities water, and a high number of parks.
Hockey League (NHL) team based in California. He in the US, scoring them on 89 One purpose of the rankings
is the first Black person to become the GM of an measures across 10 categories, is to help local leaders figure
Y NHL team. Prior to leading the Sharks, Grier was such as the health of the out how to make their
H
AT
P; K a pro hockey player and coach. He said he was population, participation in communities better. “If one
A
DILL/ “extremely proud and grateful” for the opportunity. education, and the cost of community is doing poorly
H
C
UT housing. This year it used in one area, they can look
B
E:
G data on natural disasters, at a community that’s
A
P
EFT A Bracco Italiano such as wildfires and doing well in that area and
N L
O
B; floods, to analyze risks to maybe learn from them,” said
U
CL
EL different populations by race Gary Emerling of US News. CVS
N
KEN and ethnicity. Falls Church Health, a health care company that
ERICAN ES (2) This was the third year in a row County in Virginia co-sponsored the report, said it plans
MG
ALERIE KESSLER/AATION; GETTY IMA Dog club recognizes new breed titthos a hrtee Lsaoidltshe An cltaasrm ea,ro eas n wwdea elsla erradnnu hkcieagdthe fi dinr,s chto,a mivnee p sga.o rRto ebdse iadccaecunestsses UyteoSa ecrxi. tTpieoas ns iedme ip ttshr o“ehv feeu aolll ntrha h nzeokainnlteghs ”oe ifqn cuiotiitmayt miinveu t hntoeit ihceoesml,p g imon gtoo r e
URES; AP; VMES ASSOCI The Bracco Italiano is the 200th breed to be are able to hike at nearby mountains and canyons, tinyurl.com/TWJUS-HealthiestCommunities.
ERSAL PICTWORLD GA rtehceo wgnoirzlde’ds blayr gtheest A pmureerbicraend Kdeongn reelg Cislutrby .( TAhKiCs ), THE WEEK’S SILLIEST HEADLINE
NIVAL breed can now compete in AKC events, such as
GES (4); URNATION the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. A type of “Bear perches on Minnesota family’s
GETTY IMALANG/INTE pwohiintete ar,n tdh ec hdeosgtsn ucat na nbde cwahni twee, wighhi t5e5 a tnod 9 o0r panogune,d osr. bird feeder” UPI
July 22, 2022 • The Week Junior 5
Around the world
Netherlands
Farmers protest changes
Farmers are protesting government plans aimed
at reducing pollution. New rules will require
farmers to use less fertilizer (chemicals that help
plants grow) and reduce the number of farm
animals they own. Farmers have prevented ports
and warehouses from sending their goods to Farmers
A Barnor photo blocked roads.
supermarkets, resulting in massive delays.
taken in 1966
Arles, France
Photo festival opens
The international photography festival Les Rencontres
d’Arles has begun in the South of France and will run until
September. It features an exhibition about the celebrated
Ghanaian photographer James Barnor. The show focuses
on 93-year-old Barnor’s six-decade career in Ghana and
London and includes images that have never been shown.
The festival, held once a year, has taken place since 1970.
Seville
Seville, Spain
City to name heat waves
Seville, in southwestern Spain, is set to become the first city in the
world to name and classify different types of heat waves. They
will be ranked by how they affect human health, for the purpose
of helping communities plan emergency response measures,
such as cooling centers. Heat waves have been linked to climate
change (long-term changes in weather patterns, largely due to
human activities) and have risen sharply in Spain in recent years.
Protests in Italy
the capital
Drought declared
Five regions in northern Italy have
declared a state of emergency
after experiencing the worst
drought (severe lack of rain) in 70
years. The city of Milan has closed ESY RE
BPruoetneostse Arsir mesa,r Achrg oevnetri ncoas t of living itthse f apmrooduusc twioante orf f poouwnteari nmsa, adned OCK (2); COURTE LA FÉRONNIÈ
Todaidnhnfeac Aomdylusu rsa,dgs umnaiepndnnapgidtkno ifsnigurn ato egt ,pfhl a,pte awhneoted opet hcprloeeoelte sh iagn tmel o ronreva feca erlieidctrvidnhyein.me s hPgd aierg miicncnhrteo u Badsscu nsofhoe d t mmrnh j suoeooom srcrm eeoAp uteeieornx edb ptts aarh,ey sctin igkhocslhen einve cJererauic .sipleniynis tr9sgaei, tlc p ieernisc,te s fhuwRmrasiohivevlmeil ecioroh ,wfa n wwal astriootaleel t bhblreo eeerhc.el aapgTnst hir e vtdeeeodrs anl oiaddff pmr etoeponocue ttrlndiesemd..d tR ithrtehea tsegnhi diP eo$eo n3n 5st, s uTph Peo d Rriievde-r GETTY IMAGES (6); REUTERS; SHUTTERSTJAMES BARNOR/GALERIE CLÉMENTINE D
6 The Week Junior • July 22, 2022
Around the world
Russia
Hummus could The Dalai Lama
Chickpea shortage expected
be hard to find.
Chickpea supplies could fall by 20% this year and
affect the availability of hummus (a dip made
from chickpeas). Russia supplies about 25% of the
world’s chickpeas (also called garbanzo beans).
But sanctions (trade restrictions) on Russia after
it invaded Ukraine, combined with poor weather,
have led to a global shortage of chickpeas.
India
Dalai Lama opens library and museum
The Dalai Lama, the spiritual leader of Tibet, marked his 87th
birthday on July 6 by opening the Dalai Lama Library and
Museum. Located in his hillside headquarters in India, the
center contains historical objects, documents that convey his
teachings, and books on his life and the religion of Buddhism.
The Dalai Lama has lived in India since 1959 and has traveled
the world speaking out for human rights and peace.
Refills will
be unlimited.
Japan
Young voters get free noodles
To encourage more young people to take part in Japan’s
elections, a major Japanese ramen restaurant chain offered
free unlimited noodle refills for two weeks. To qualify for
the free food, people had to show proof that they had
voted. The number of young people who vote in Japan is
typically about 40%, and the ramen chain hoped its offer
would encourage more of them to vote.
Durban, South
Africa
Racing event returns
Crowds have returned to Durban
July, the biggest horse-racing
event in Africa, for the first time The Aboriginal
flag, right
since 2019. Spectators were not
allowed in 2020 and 2021 due to
Australia
the pandemic. Tens of thousands of
Aboriginal flag to fly on bridge
people flocked to the city both for
The government of New South Wales (NSW), Australia, announced
the competition and for the event’s
that the Aboriginal flag will be permanently flown on the Sydney
famous fashions. The area was hit
Harbor Bridge. The bridge usually displays the Australian flag
by floods earlier this year, so the
and the NSW state flag side by side. After a five-year campaign,
Durban July’s return gave the local
The event is
the NSW flag will be moved to make way for the Aboriginal flag,
economy a much-needed boost. famous for fashion.
which represents the people first known to live in Australia.
July 22, 2022 • The Week Junior 7
The big debate
Is artificial grass better than a real lawn?
Some people think plastic grass helps the
planet, but others say it harms wildlife. TIME TO
PLAY
What you need to know
(cid:79) Ftouaf rkpfe.l a Igts’rtsai cms saa nisdd ea i lfssr ouo smken ddo iiwffn nela rawesn natsr t,ty ifipecisa l fakalae Isr nggc hre1aRo 9psho6slaol 4 wypd, laeatahs ryI eesignal arfis ounrtusasdtnil.n l edgd i n a t
gardens, and athletic fields.
(cid:79) Fake grass doesn’t require watering
like real grass does. In the US, real
grass lawns use 3 trillion gallons of
water each year.
(cid:79) Real grass lawns cover 2% of land in
the US and provide a natural habitat
for animals and insects.
(cid:79) Artificial turf retains heat, causing
air and water temperatures to rise.
In recent years, more people have been Yes—fake grass makes gardening easy No—it’s no substitute for the real thing
choosing fake grass to replace their lawns Anyone who has played soccer or chased their dog Lawns bring nature into our lives, so why replace
and cover other outdoor spaces like balconies across a lawn in winter knows that it can turn into a them with fake plastic grass? Birds can’t peck
and patios. It’s also a very popular surface for muddy mess. It can also dry out and turn brown in through plastic for bugs and worms, and
sports practices and games. Fans of artificial summer. Fake grass not only looks neater than a underground creatures won’t find food either.
turf say it always looks clean and tidy, and muddy or dry lawn, it’s also easier to take care of, Plastic grass heats up more than real grass does, so
athletes can play on it in any weather. It also especially for people who find gardening difficult in warm weather it can be too hot for bare feet (or
requires less work than caring for a real lawn, or boring. Fake grass can be swept and cleaned, paws) to stand on. There is currently no easy way
which many people are not willing or able to while a real lawn needs mowing, weeding, and to recycle a plastic lawn. It can’t be composted like
do. On the other hand, some people say fake watering, which isn’t always good for the real grass, so it ends up in a landfill. One of the best
lawns are bad for the environment because environment. A fake lawn looks fresh and bright things about taking care of grass is getting your
they’re made of plastic and take away natural and can add a cheerful splash of color to any hands dirty and watching things grow. Even a
wildlife habitats. What do you think? Is outdoor space. It’s similar to installing a patio or weedy lawn, which is home to insects, plants, and
artificial grass better than a real lawn? concrete, which people have been doing for years. other wildlife, is better than a plastic one.
Three reasons why artificial grass is Three reasons why artificial grass is
YES NO LAST WEEK’S POLL
better than a real lawn not better than a real lawn
Last week, we asked you if
1 Unlike real lawns, fake grass doesn’t 1 Plastic grass doesn’t provide a natural
chocolate ice cream is better
turn into a muddy mess when you play habitat for wildlife like birds and insects.
on it on rainy or snowy days. than vanilla. We’ve got the
2 F ake lawns are made out of plastic,
scoop on the
2 I t looks neat and is easy to care for, which doesn’t break down like natural
which is ideal for people who have a grass does. It’s also hard to recycle, so it flavor face-off: 49%
hard time maintaining a real lawn. will end up in a landfill. 51% of you NO
51%
3 F ake grass doesn’t need mowing or 3 G ardening is a great way to enjoy nature. said yes, and YES
watering, which is better for the planet. You can’t watch plastic grass grow. 49% said no.

What do you think?
The goal of the big debate is to present two sides
of an issue fairly in order to stimulate discussion and
Now that you’ve read a bit more about this issue, have a parent or guardian visit
allow our readers to make up their minds. The views on
theweekjunior.com/polls with you so you can vote in our debate. Vote YES if you think this page do not reflect those of The Week Junior, and GES
A
fake grass is better than a lawn or NO if you don’t. We’ll publish the results next week. M
the page is not funded by third parties. Y I
ETT
G
8 The Week Junior • July 22, 2022
People
Power in writing
Actor Henry Winkler turned his learning challenges into fun books for kids.
Henry Winkler became the face of “cool” in never thought I could do it,” Winkler said. He
his world-famous role as Arthur “Fonzie” has co-written four series with author Lin
Fonzarelli on the classic TV series Happy Days, Oliver, including two about a boy named
which aired in the 1970s and 1980s. But to Hank Zipzer who has learning challenges DID YOU
become an actor, writer, and similar to Winkler’s. Hank “is KNOW?
poevwroendrWy upocionnewekr,l eeehrlre s wh eha hadsedo dn uty oabs ltlbmeeexdoli iaisett,.v ae in his raternisedos Wu hitre hca esegtfnaua inltn,h dh,e”se s Hr aiisgai dfnhu ktWn bZniainypc,k zkhlee eurr .pfs a eairlnsie,d s iAn bthoeud tUi ff2aSe0s hr %deaynv oscelfe e ac xs hliueaicla.dhrrn e inn g
learning disability that makes it was adapted into a TV show,
more challenging to read and which was picked up by HBO
spell. Kids in school made fun of Max in May, Winkler played the
his struggles, and adults said he role of Mr. Rock. But Winkler is
was just being lazy. But a also energetic, fun, and
A book by
teacher named Mr. Rock determined like Hank. He is still
Winkler
supported him. “He said, ‘Winkler, performing at the age of 76, he
when you get out of here, you’re going to be makes TikToks and goes fly fishing, and his
great,’” Winkler told The Week Junior. “And I 40th book is due to be released next year.
held on to that one sentence.” Winkler believes children are “wonderful
Winkler went on to win several awards just the way they are,” with “unbelievable
for acting. But he says that his proudest power” inside them. Winkler never gave up,
achievement is writing books for children. “I he said, “and look at me now.” Henry Winkler
Major award winner
OVERHEARD
Actress and singer Jennifer Hudson, 40, reached
EGOT status when she won a Tony Award on
June 12 as a co-producer of the Broadway musical
A Strange Loop. EGOT refers to an entertainer who
achieves the rare feat of winning four prestigious
awards: an Emmy (TV), a Grammy (music), an
Oscar (film), and a Tony (theater). In addition to her
Tony, Hudson won an Emmy for her role as
Roman McConn
executive producer of Baba Yaga, Grammys for The
Boy who helps dogs
Color Purple and her debut studio album, and an
Oscar for best supporting actress in Dreamgirls.
Roman McConn, 10, has been on a mission to
find homes for dogs since age 4. Now he will
star in a new Disney XD show, Roman to the
Rescue, about his experience. Roman, who lives in
Georgia, was first inspired to help after a trip to
the pet store, when he learned that dogs who
didn’t get adopted would be sent to a shelter. He
“It’s OK not to get it right
started making fun videos of dogs that were up for
on the first try.”
adoption. His mom posts them on social media,
ES which helps the dogs find homes. “I just love Actress Keke Palmer, 28, who voices Izzy
G
A in the Disney Pixar film Lightyear
M working with dogs,” Roman told The Washington
ETTY I Jennifer Hudson Post. “I want to give them a second chance.”
G
July 22, 2022 • The Week Junior 9
Animals and the environment
FEATHERED A colorful ancestor
FRIENDS
33TT bohidellyiao ybon yut ch tfhneoirucuemkr eatbnroees o r ao npbneeo .Eo uaptr l teh . Cdbohfor eyimcdeke abesryntsi s.hc B auaurmneti amwthnhaesli f,cm ohhro ac tsvhhtii noccgkouem sbanemn wedonasn s
the very first? A 2020 study of
863 living chickens showed that
today’s chickens most likely
descended primarily from the
red junglefowl, a wild, colorful
tropical species from Thailand.
A red
A variety of modern
junglefowl
chicken breeds
Chickens were once celebrated
Humans and chickens have lived alongside each To settle the question of when the relationship they may have been used as alarms or considered
other for far less time than historians thought, between humans and chickens really began, a holy or status symbols. When chickens later
according to new research from the Universities new study used carbon dating. A type of carbon reached Italy and Britain, they too seem to have
of Exeter, Oxford, and Cardiff in the UK. in once-living things gradually decays. been first treated as exotic and worthy of respect.
What’s more, people didn’t see the By measuring the carbon that the The research also offers a possible origin for
birds as a source of food. Early remains still hold, experts can the modern chicken. Chickens appear to have
chickens were respected and estimate their age. After begun living with humans at the same time that
possibly worshipped. studying 23 bones from several people first began to farm rice. The team said the
For a long time, it was ancient sites, the research chicken’s wild ancestors may have been lured from
assumed that humans began team found that chickens jungle treetops by the new food source before
farming chickens about 10,000 reached Europe around 800 being tamed to live among humans. “Eating
years ago. This was based on BCE and Africa 200 years later. chickens is so common that people think we have
Early chickens were
bones found with signs of human These new dates mean the never not eaten them,” said Naomi Sykes, a
drawn to rice crops.
activity in Asia and Europe. However, it earliest chickens associated with researcher from the University of Exeter. “Our
has been found that some of the “chicken” bones humans are those buried with people in Thailand evidence shows that our past relationship with
actually belonged to pheasants. Others were and China from about 3,500 years ago. There is no chickens was far more complex and that for
mixed up with human remains at a later date. sign that these birds were treated as food. Instead centuries chickens were celebrated.”
PLACE OF THE WEEK
Sawtooth National Recreation Area, Idaho
Four mountain ranges run through the Sawtooth National
Recreation Area in central Idaho, with peaks that rise more than
10,000 feet. The park’s 756,000 acres offer opportunities to camp,
canoe, or bike on mountain trails. The Salmon River, named for the
fish that swim in it to get to the ocean before returning to fresh
water as adults, originates in this region. Trees are scarce in the
high reaches of the mountains, but forests and grasslands cover
much of the rest of the landscape. Wolves, deer, elk, bighorn sheep,
A deer
Canada lynxes, and peregrine falcons make the park their home.
10 The Week Junior • July 22, 2022