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The number of giraffes is becoming smaller across Africa, according to the Giraffe Conservation Foundation. The total population has dropped by 40 percent in the last 15 years. Surprisingly, even scientists haven’t given much attention to giraffes. We are learning more about their ecology, but what we know is still way behind what we know about other species. “It’s a silent extinction,” said Dr. Julian Hennessy, a wildlife scientist.

“The main reason for the smaller number of giraffes is their loss of living places,” said Hennessy, “as an increasing part of land is used for farming. But hunting also has a big influence.” You might wonder why hunters would focus on giraffes. First of all, once a giraffe is brought down, there is lots of meat with a small amount of effort. Besides, there is another thing encouraging the hunting. In Tanzania, Hennessy says, the latest word on the street is that eating giraffe meat could cure AIDS. Fresh giraffe heads and bones can be sold at prices of up to $140 per piece.

Another widespread misconception about giraffes is that they are everywhere. Look at kids’ books which are full of giraffes. They are always in zoo collections. They can be seen easily, so you don’t think we have to worry about them. But the truth is that they are in danger of extinction. There is a lack of right and true data.

Hennessy and other researchers are now pulling together the data needed to improve the situation of the entire giraffe species and all nine subspecies (亚种). The information will be used to change the giraffe’s listing on the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List, which now lists the species as of “least concern” but two subspecies as “endangered”. “It’s a lot of work to gather the necessary information,” Hennessy says. “And several other giraffe subspecies will be recommended for endangered listings next year or the year after.” He hopes that the world will finally start to take notice of how endangered these beloved animals have become.

1.By saying “It’s a silent extinction”, Hennessy tells us that ______.

A. giraffes are unpopular in Africa

B. the giraffe is always silent in daily life

C. the ecology of Africa needs more attention

D. the extinction occurs without enough attention

2.What has caused the high price of giraffe meat in Tanzania?

A. The country’s custom.   B. The illegal international trade.

C. The cost of hunting a giraffe.   D. The idea that it’s a cure for AIDS.

3.The misconception in Para. 3 can be corrected by ______.

A. preventing illegal hunting in Africa

B. rewriting kids’ books about giraffes

C. providing reliable data about giraffes

D. spreading scientific knowledge of AIDS

4.The final purpose of Hennessy’s great effort is to ______.

A. collect more information about giraffes

B. raise public awareness of protecting giraffes

C. prove giraffes will disappear in the next few years

D. work with the International Union for Conservation of Nature

高三英语阅读理解中等难度题

少年,再来一题如何?
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