The article states that the most prominent cause of otter´s population declines is the

pollution and provides three reasons to support this idea. However, the professor explains
that the most likely cause of this population declines are the predators, in particular the
orcas and refutes each of the reading´s reasons. (really good)

First the Reading says that the water samples in the most polluted area correlates with the
decrease of the otter´s immune systems and indirectly increase their deaths. The professor
disagrees with this point. He provides this argument: most of the deaths in otters are from
predators and not by pollution as it can be seen on dead otter´s bodies. The professor
ensures that orcas are capable to kill otters and let marks in the otter’s bodies.

Second the article claims that other mammals are also affected by the pollution because the
pollution affect entire ecosystem instead of particular species. Then the article adds the idea
that only predators such as orcas could cause the same effect, but this predator usually
hunts larger animals. The professor states that orcas prefer hunt bigger species as whales,
but if there aren´t available, the orcas Will begin to hunt other animals. And that is what is
happening with the otters. (additional details: the whales have decreased because of human
hunting)

Third, the Reading claims that when there is more pollution, more decrease of the otter´s
population is observed. This claim explains the uneven pattern of otter decline because the
ocean currents can move the polluted water and concentrate it in some particular places,
killing more otters in this particular places. The professor discusses that reason. He explains
that stable population of otters in some places took place where the orcas can´t be, because
the orcas are too big to enter in certain places. (more details)

Positives: good structure in the paragraphs, very nice and clear introduction. The general
ideas are clear.

Points for improvement: more details from the audio.