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Student Article

Birds and Reptiles Cry Tears Like Humans

By: Alice Lipscombe-Southwell
Originally Published in  Science Focus

Could this research improve eye treatments?

The article "Birds and Reptiles Cry Tears Like Humans" from BBC's Science Focus explains how the tears of birds and reptiles contain similar chemical compositions to human tears. Scientists hope this research will lead to improved treatments for eye conditions and offer new insights into evolutionary biology.

Student Article Info

BBC's Science Focus is packed with news, discoveries, ideas and innovations to keep you up-to-speed with the complexities of the fast-moving world around us. Learn more about subscriptions here.

Grades:
Subject:
Eye of a crocodile with a measuring tape next to it
© Arianne P. Oriá

Most passages are available in three different versions: Level 1 (Grade 3-5), Level 2 (Grade 6-8), and Level 3 (Grade 9-12). Some more complex texts are available only in Level 2 and Level 3. Use the versions that are most appropriate for the students in your class.

Note: The BBC Learning Hub Editorial Team made use of AI tools to create multiple versions of this article, each tailored to different student reading levels. Every version undergoes a thorough review by our BBC Learning editors to ensure accuracy, quality, and appropriateness.

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Level 1 Reading Passage
Grades: 3-5Lexile Level: 600L-700L
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Level 2 Reading Passage
Grades: 6-8Lexile Level: 900L - 1000L
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3
Level 3 Reading Passage
Grades: 9-12Lexile Level: 1100L-1200L
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