阅读理解
The UN Environment Programme says that rising temperatures could mean the end for some migrating animals.
Migrating or mobile animals move through several environments as they travel away from the cold of
winter to warmer areas. Birds may fly from one part of the world to another, perhaps stopping at feeding
grounds on the way. Whales and turtles (海龟) cover vast areas of ocean. The report says that changes in any one of the places which these animals use can cause serious harm. "Obviously these animals have
developed their travelling patterns over thousands of years. But climate change is almost certain to be
extreme over the next 25 to 50 years and it is extremely unlikely that these animals can change their habits
fast enough," said the report author Dr Robert Hepworth.
Hardest hit by rising temperatures are turtles. Scientists have found that at higher temperatures, turtles
produce far more female eggs than male ones. In parts of Malaysia, turtle birthing sites are producing only
females, the report says. It also provides evidence that some turtles are more likely to develop cancer as
the waters get warmer.
With birds, the main problem is climate-related damage to important areas at either end of the travels or at resting places along the way. About one-fifth of migrating birds are now in danger because of
climate-related changes including rising sea levels, land loss and more violent storms, the report concludes.
Other animals picked out as particularly in danger include:
the North Atlantic Right Whale, whose main food (tiny shrimp) is disturbed by the change in ocean
flows and
the White-Nose Dolphin, which is out-competed by other kinds of dolphins in warmer waters.
The report is not all bad news. Even with major climatic changes, protecting the environment can still help mobile animals to recover. "We need governments to start taking action at the national and international
lever. “The clock is running.” said Dr Hepworth. And some animals are already adapting, with the report
mentioning whales that are changing their feeding behaviour, finding new feeding grounds and new foods to eat.
1. What is the main topic of the text?
A. The effect of climate change on migrating animals.
B. How animals are adapting to changes in temperature.
C. The actions required to save migrating animals.
D. The need for government policies to prevent global warming.
2. By saying "the clock is running" in the last paragraph, Dr Hepworth means that “_______”.
A. it may be too late to save some animals
B. it is time to start protecting the animals
C. there is not much time to solve the problem
D. it takes time to complete the actions
3. According to the report, how will global warming affect turtles in the future?
A. They will only produce female babies.
B. Their food supply will gradually disappear.
C. Some will suffer from higher rates of cancer.
D. They will be in greater danger because of more violent storms.
4. Which of the following is mentioned as a consequence of rising temperatures?
A. More storms will affect the ability of whales to find their feeding grounds.
B. 20 percent of all birds are likely to die out because of land loss.
C. Migrating animals are likely to start adapting to the changes more quickly.
D. Warmer oceans will increase the competition between different kinds of dolphins.
5. What can be inferred (推断) about turtles from the text?
A. They are the only animals besides humans that suffer from cancer.
B. They have traditionally lived longer than other ocean-based animals.
C. Those born nearer a hotter area are more likely to be female.
D. Most kinds of turtles are likely to die out within 50 years.
