- A team of scientists studied a chemical in the environment.
- The chemical is potassium perchlorate in explosives and fireworks.
- They used small fish called medaka for the tests.
- Researchers exposed male fish to the chemical.
- The chemical caused lower fertility in the male fish.
- It also caused clear damage to the fish testes.
- Another group of fish received vitamin C at the same time.
- These fish had better fertility and less damage.
Difficult words
- chemical — a substance used in products or experiments
- environment — the natural world around people and animals
- fertility — ability to produce young or offspring
- testis — the male organ that makes spermtestes
- expose — to put in contact with a substanceexposed
- vitamin — a nutrient that helps protect the bodyvitamin C
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Do you take vitamin C?
- Have you ever seen fireworks?
- Do you like fish?
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