The Rotifers by Robert Abernathy
The Rotifers is a science fiction novel by Robert Abernathy. It tells the story of a group of scientists who discover a species of microscopic creatures living in the depths of the ocean. These creatures, called rotifers, are capable of surviving in extreme conditions and have the potential to revolutionize the way humans explore and exploit the ocean. The scientists soon realize that the rotifers are not only capable of surviving in extreme conditions, but also of manipulating their environment. They soon discover that the rotifers are actually a sentient species, capable of communication and thought. The scientists must now decide how to deal with the rotifers and their newfound abilities. Should they be exploited for their potential or should they be protected and studied? As the scientists grapple with this dilemma, they must also contend with the dangers posed by the creatures, as well as the ethical implications of their actions. The Rotifers is a thrilling and thought-provoking novel that explores the implications of scientific discovery and the ethical dilemmas that arise when dealing with sentient species.
By Robert Abernathy · First published 1953 · Genre: Science Fiction, Adventure, Mystery · 6,633 words
First lines
"Beneath the stagnant water shadowed by water lilies Harry found the fascinating world of the rotifers -- but it was their world, and they resented intrusion."
Henry Chatham knelt by the brink of his garden pond, a glass fish bowl cupped in his thin, nervous hands. Carefully he dipped the bowl into the green-scummed water and, moving it gently, let trailing streamers of submerged water weeds drift into it. Then he picked up the old scissors he had laid on the bank, and clipped the stems of the floating plants, getting as much of them as he could in the container.
What this Textopian page supports
The Rotifers is listed on Textopian as a short story by Robert Abernathy, dated 1953 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Robert Abernathy
- Date: 1953 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Science Fiction, Adventure, Mystery, Fantasy
- Length: 6,633 words
- Structure: 1 section, 137 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Rotifers by Robert Abernathy
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Rotifers?
- How does this short story by Robert Abernathy fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Science Fiction first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Science Fiction — The book is about a group of scientists who discover a species of microscopic creatures called rotifers, which could be considered a form of science fiction.
- Adventure — The book follows the scientists on their journey to discover the rotifers, which could be considered an adventure.
- Mystery — The book follows the scientists as they try to uncover the secrets of the rotifers, which could be considered a mystery.
- Fantasy — The book contains elements of fantasy, such as the mysterious nature of the rotifers and the fantastical world they inhabit.
Tags
Science fiction · Short stories · back · beetle · book · bowl · boy · chatham · could · dad · eyes · father