[Being his researcher self, Beckett is sensitive to nuance, and something about this story just doesn't come together right. Like there's a lot that is going unsaid. That's fine: that is, in fact, his expertise.]

If you could describe some of those animals, perhaps my Earthling knowledge might be helpful in identifying them. I assume you will want to know if there's further correlation.

[It's not a safe assumption. But he's testing.]