BBC Learning English

Words in the News

Crustaceans may feel anxiety

13 June 2014

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Crustaceans may be able to feel some emotion. That's the conclusion of French
researchers whose findings have been published in the journal Science. The research
follows a number of studies that suggest crustaceans can also feel pain. Some experts
say the seafood industry may need to reconsider how it treats these creatures. Rebecca
Morelle reports for the BBC.
It was thought that only humans and "intelligent" animals could experience anxiety
but this research suggests that crayfish may experience a form of this emotion too.

When the crustaceans were exposed to a stressful situation in this case an unpleasant
electric field they subsequently behaved far more cautiously, staying hidden in the
darker parts of their tank.

But when the stressed crayfish were given an anti-anxiety drug, they stopped being so
wary and moved into light, more exposed areas.

The fact that these animals may get anxious adds to a number of studies that suggest
crustaceans also feel pain. Scientists say it suggests the welfare should be improved for
these creatures, which are not currently classified as sentient by the food industry.

Words in the News

bbclearningenglish.com

British Broadcasting Corporation 2014

Page 1 of 2

Vocabulary and definitions

experience

(here) feel

electric field

area where there is a force generated by an electric charge

cautiously

carefully

wary

on guard; looking out for danger

welfare

health and happiness; well-being

classified

designated, considered as

sentient

able to experience sensations and feelings

Read and listen to the story and the vocabulary online:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/language/wordsinthenews/2014/06/140613_witn_anxiety.shtml

Related story:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-27812367

Words in the News

British Broadcasting Corporation 2014

Page 2 of 2
bbclearningenglish.com