A
AnimalConservation
Many animal and plant species have become extinct and many more are in critical danger.Finding ways to protect the earth’s wildlife and conserve the natural world they inhabit (居住) is now more important than ever.
TheDodo(渡渡鸟)
The dodo is a classic example of how human caused damage to the earth’s biology.The flightless dodo was native to the Island of Mauritius in the Indian Ocean.The easily controlled bird became a source of food for sailors and was attacked by animals introduced to the island by humans such as pigs,monkeys and rats.The population of dodos rapidly decreased and the last one was killed in 1681.
Rhinos(犀牛)
The rhino horn is a highly-prized item for Asian medicine.This has led to the animal being hunted in its natural habitat.Once widespread in Africa and Eurasia,most rhinos now live in protected natural parks and reserves.Their numbers have rapidly decreased in the last 50 years,and the animals remain under constant threat from poachers.
TheGiantPanda
The future of the WWF’s symbol is far from certain.As few as 1,000 remain in the wild.The Chinese government has set up 33 panda reserves to protect these beautiful animals.However,the panda’s distinct black and white patched coat fetches a high price on the black market and determined poachers still pose (造成) one of the most serious threats to the animals.
Whales
Despite the fact that one-third of the world’s oceans have been declared whale sanctuaries (保护区),7 out of 13 whale species remain endangered.Hunted for their rich supply of oil,their numbers have decreased to just 300.Collisions (碰撞) with ships,poisonous pollution and being caught in fishing nets are other major causes of whale deaths.
Tigers
The last 100 years has seen a 95% reduction in the numbers of remaining tigers to between 5,000 and 7,000 and the Bali,Javan,and Caspian tigers are already extinct.The South China tiger is precariously close to disappearing,with only 20 to 30 still alive.Like the rhino horn,tigers’ bones and organs are sought after for traditional Chinese medicines.These items are traded illegally along with tiger skins.
【语篇导读】本文是一篇应用文。文章主要介绍了五种野生动物已经灭绝或者濒临灭绝的原因。
21.Which group of the following animals has no longer existed according to the text?
A.The dodo,rhino and panda.
B.The rhino,whale and South China tiger.
C.The rhino,panda,whale and tiger.
D.The dodo and the Bali,Javan,and Caspian tigers.
答案D
解析细节理解题。根据第二段最后一句可知,渡渡鸟已经灭绝;再根据最后一段第一句中的“...theBali,Javan,andCaspiantigersarealreadyextinct”可得出其他几种。故选D项。
22. can serve as a cure for certain diseases.
A.The whale’s rich oil
B.The panda’s black and white patched coat
C.The rhino horn and tigers’ bones and organs
D.The dodo’s delicious meat
答案C
解析细节理解题。文章的第三段和最后一段提到“犀牛角和虎骨及器官”有很高的药用价值。
23.Which of the following is mentioned in all the descriptions of those wild animals?
A.The way of their life.
B.The reason for their extinction or being in danger.
C.Why they are hunted.
D.Punishment for hunting wild animals.
答案B
解析细节理解题。对五种野生动物的介绍,内容不尽相同,但有一点是相同的,即渡渡鸟灭绝的原因以及其他四种野生动物濒临灭绝的原因。
