Reading Text
When people think of natural blonde hair, they usually imagine people from Northern Europe. However, in Melanesia—a region of islands in the South Pacific near Australia—many indigenous people naturally have dark skin and bright blonde hair. For a long time, outsiders assumed this trait came from European traders who visited the islands in the past.
Recently, genetic scientists tested DNA from the islanders to find the truth. They discovered that Melanesian blonde hair is completely unique. It is caused by a mutation in a gene called TYRP1, which affects skin and hair pigmentation. This mutation is entirely different from the gene that causes blonde hair in European populations. It developed naturally in the South Pacific thousands of years ago, showing how diverse human genetics can be.
1. Key Vocabulary
- indigenous (adjective): Naturally belonging to or native to a specific place or region.
- assume (verb): To accept something as true without having proof or checking the facts.
- trader (noun): A person who buys, sells, or exchanges goods.
- pigmentation (noun): The natural coloring of human, animal, or plant tissue.
- diverse (adjective): Showing a wide variety of different types, forms, or features.
2. Reading Comprehension Questions
- Where is Melanesia located?
- What did outsiders originally believe was the reason for the Melanesians' blonde hair?
- What did scientists discover about the gene mutation that causes blonde hair in Melanesia?
3. Grammar & Tenses Focus: Active vs. Passive Voice (Past & Present)
Rewrite the sentences using either the active or passive voice as directed.
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Active: European traders visited the islands many years ago.
- Passive: The islands ____________________ by European traders many years ago.
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Passive: The DNA was tested by genetic scientists to find the truth.
- Active: Genetic scientists ____________________ the DNA to find the truth.
- Active: A unique gene mutation causes Melanesian blonde hair.
- Passive: Melanesian blonde hair ____________________ by a unique gene mutation.
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- Passive: The trait is shared by many people in the South Pacific today.
- Active: Many people in the South Pacific ____________________ the trait today.
Natural Blonde Hair in the South Pacific: The Melanesian People
2. Reading Comprehension Answers
- Where is Melanesia located? In the South Pacific near Australia.
- What did outsiders originally believe was the reason for the Melanesians' blonde hair? They assumed it came from European traders who visited the islands in the past.
- What did scientists discover about the gene mutation that causes blonde hair in Melanesia? It is a unique mutation in the TYRP1 gene that developed naturally in the South Pacific and is completely separate from European blonde hair genes.
3. Grammar & Tenses Focus Answers
- Passive: The islands were visited by European traders many years ago.
- Active: Genetic scientists tested the DNA to find the truth.
- Passive: Melanesian blonde hair is caused by a unique gene mutation.
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Active: Many people in the South Pacific share the trait today.
