XI'AN - China's conservation work for the endangered crested ibis(朱鹮)is facing new challenges, including an increasing mortality rate due to inbreeding, and the conflict between the need to expand natural habitats and local communities' economic interests, bird experts have warned.
The crested ibis, once widespread in Japan, China, Russia and the Korean Peninsula, almost became extinct in the first half of the 20th century.
Before 1981, when seven crested ibis were accidentally found in Yangxian county, in Northwest China's Shaanxi province, academics thought the species had been extinct in China for almost 17 years.
Due to the huge effort put into species protection since 1981, the number of crested ibis in China has risen to an estimated 1,617, including 997 in the wild, the State Forestry Administration said at a meeting on crested ibis protection in Xi'an on Monday.
However, although the ibis population exceeds 1,000, the birds are still not free from the threat of extinction, said Fang Shengguo, director of the State Conservation Center for Gene Resources of Endangered Wildlife at Zhejiang University.
“Ornithologists used inbreeding in the early stages of protection so that numbers of the precious birds could increase quickly, but that method had consequences,” Fang said.
"Studies have proved that as a result of inbreeding, crested ibis have the lowest genetic diversity of all endangered birds," Fang said.
"It means a high mortality rate and more physical defects for hatched chicks."
“The government should collect genetic information from all crested ibis and establish a genetic database as soon as possible, then design a scientific mating plan for the species,” Fang said.
So far, about 90 percent of crested ibis live in Shaanxi province, and fewer than 140 ibis live in three zoos in other parts of the country, including Beijing Zoo, according to Liu Dongping, an assistant researcher at the National Bird Banding Center of China, which is affiliated to the Chinese Academy of Forestry.
The bird has lost the ability to migrate, he said, adding that if an unexpected natural disaster occurred in Shaanxi province or an infectious disease spread through the area, the ibis population could be greatly reduced.
Experts also warned that the increased population of ibis, whether in the wild or in captivity, requires a larger and more varied natural habitat.
Rampant hunting, the massive loss of habitat caused by deforestation and the overuse of pesticides, which killed aquatic insects on which the ibis feed, are believed to be the main reasons for the sharp reduction in the ibis population before 1981.
So, in 1983, a State-level natural reserve was set up in Shaanxi province to protect the bird. But the struggle for living space between human and animal has never stopped, said Lu Baozhong, deputy director of the Shaanxi Crested Ibis Conservation Station.
"For example, ibis often look for loaches in farmers' rice fields. Sometimes their claws trample the rice seedlings. In another case, villagers discovered some land with abundant mineral resources which happened to be a habitat for ibis," said Lu, who has devoted 30 years to ibis protection.
A long-term win-win solution for ibis and local communities needs to be developed, one that would provide ecological compensation for local residents, Lu said.
1.. What’s the best title for the passage?
A. The Rare Bird in China B. New Problems for the Crested Ibis
C. The Way to Save the Crested Ibis D. The Reason for the Crested Ibis’s Extinction
2. Which of the following statement is TRUE ?
A. The crested ibis is a native of China.
B. Before 1981, the crested ibis was extinct in China.
C. The crested ibis is now free from the threat of extinction.
D. Most of the crested ibis are in Shaanxi province.
3.. Why did the experts adopt the way of inbreeding to protect the crested ibis?
A. To increase the mortality rate.
B. To increase the number of the crested ibis.
C. To get more physical defects for hatched chicks
D. To have the lowest diversity of the endangered bird.
4.. What may be the reason for the reduction in the population of the crested ibis before 1981?
A. inbreeding B. economic development
C. over hunting D. sandstorm
5.. What can we learn from the passage?
A. Due to our great efforts, the crested ibis lives in the wild well.
B. Scientists will choose a better habitat for the crested ibis.
C. The problems of the crested ibis have not been solved now.
D. The government has established a genetic database of the crested ibis.
高三英语阅读理解困难题
XI'AN - China's conservation work for the endangered crested ibis(朱鹮)is facing new challenges, including an increasing mortality rate due to inbreeding, and the conflict between the need to expand natural habitats and local communities' economic interests, bird experts have warned.
The crested ibis, once widespread in Japan, China, Russia and the Korean Peninsula, almost became extinct in the first half of the 20th century.
Before 1981, when seven crested ibis were accidentally found in Yangxian county, in Northwest China's Shaanxi province, academics thought the species had been extinct in China for almost 17 years.
Due to the huge effort put into species protection since 1981, the number of crested ibis in China has risen to an estimated 1,617, including 997 in the wild, the State Forestry Administration said at a meeting on crested ibis protection in Xi'an on Monday.
However, although the ibis population exceeds 1,000, the birds are still not free from the threat of extinction, said Fang Shengguo, director of the State Conservation Center for Gene Resources of Endangered Wildlife at Zhejiang University.
“Ornithologists used inbreeding in the early stages of protection so that numbers of the precious birds could increase quickly, but that method had consequences,” Fang said.
"Studies have proved that as a result of inbreeding, crested ibis have the lowest genetic diversity of all endangered birds," Fang said.
"It means a high mortality rate and more physical defects for hatched chicks."
“The government should collect genetic information from all crested ibis and establish a genetic database as soon as possible, then design a scientific mating plan for the species,” Fang said.
So far, about 90 percent of crested ibis live in Shaanxi province, and fewer than 140 ibis live in three zoos in other parts of the country, including Beijing Zoo, according to Liu Dongping, an assistant researcher at the National Bird Banding Center of China, which is affiliated to the Chinese Academy of Forestry.
The bird has lost the ability to migrate, he said, adding that if an unexpected natural disaster occurred in Shaanxi province or an infectious disease spread through the area, the ibis population could be greatly reduced.
Experts also warned that the increased population of ibis, whether in the wild or in captivity, requires a larger and more varied natural habitat.
Rampant hunting, the massive loss of habitat caused by deforestation and the overuse of pesticides, which killed aquatic insects on which the ibis feed, are believed to be the main reasons for the sharp reduction in the ibis population before 1981.
So, in 1983, a State-level natural reserve was set up in Shaanxi province to protect the bird. But the struggle for living space between human and animal has never stopped, said Lu Baozhong, deputy director of the Shaanxi Crested Ibis Conservation Station.
"For example, ibis often look for loaches in farmers' rice fields. Sometimes their claws trample the rice seedlings. In another case, villagers discovered some land with abundant mineral resources which happened to be a habitat for ibis," said Lu, who has devoted 30 years to ibis protection.
A long-term win-win solution for ibis and local communities needs to be developed, one that would provide ecological compensation for local residents, Lu said.
1.. What’s the best title for the passage?
A. The Rare Bird in China B. New Problems for the Crested Ibis
C. The Way to Save the Crested Ibis D. The Reason for the Crested Ibis’s Extinction
2. Which of the following statement is TRUE ?
A. The crested ibis is a native of China.
B. Before 1981, the crested ibis was extinct in China.
C. The crested ibis is now free from the threat of extinction.
D. Most of the crested ibis are in Shaanxi province.
3.. Why did the experts adopt the way of inbreeding to protect the crested ibis?
A. To increase the mortality rate.
B. To increase the number of the crested ibis.
C. To get more physical defects for hatched chicks
D. To have the lowest diversity of the endangered bird.
4.. What may be the reason for the reduction in the population of the crested ibis before 1981?
A. inbreeding B. economic development
C. over hunting D. sandstorm
5.. What can we learn from the passage?
A. Due to our great efforts, the crested ibis lives in the wild well.
B. Scientists will choose a better habitat for the crested ibis.
C. The problems of the crested ibis have not been solved now.
D. The government has established a genetic database of the crested ibis.
高三英语阅读理解困难题查看答案及解析
—Haven’t seen you for ages ! Do you still work in Xi’an ?
—______. It’s four years since I worked there .
|
高三英语单项填空简单题查看答案及解析
The works of Du Fu, China’s greatest poet, _____ a precious cultural heritage for the entire world, not just for China.
A.represented B.represent C.will represent D.have represented
高三英语单项填空中等难度题查看答案及解析
As the capital of China’s Shanxi Province, Xi’an’s long history was properly summed up by our English-speaking guide:“If Xi’an is the grandmother of cities, Beijing is a youth and Shanghai is just a baby in the womb. ”
However, it was not until 1974, following the chance discovery of the Army of Terracotta Warriors by well-digging farmers, that Xi’an was once again pushed onto the international map. Three decades later, the local government is pouring funds into the tourism sector. Ancient monuments and museums are being restored, and various copies of Buddhist and Tang heritage are being constructed to help Chinese tourists rediscover their national heritage.
One of those ancient monuments is the Big Wild Goose Pagoda-Xi’an’s most sacred monument-which was built in 652 by the monk Xuanzang, who travelled across India for 18 years and returned with a precious collection of Buddhist sacred texts. In 1966, the Red Guards burnt the pagoda’s scriptures, silk wall hangings and other relics in a bonfire that raged all night. But that destruction has largely been forgotten as tourists flock to the newly restored pagoda. The only original remainders- the empty shell of the seven-storey pagoda-light up at night, standing out in the city’s skyline.
Xi’an is also displaying the glories of the ancient Tang Dynasty, with a 165-acre Tang Paradise Theme Park that is visited by flocks of tourist groups. Although every bit of this Tang heritage is recreated, it is artistically pleasing, landscaped with ponds and lakes, classical garden, bridges, palaces and pavilions. Explore the vast area on a golf cart, hopping on and off to see shortened operas from the Tang Dynasty days, laser shows on the lake, highly structured man-made waterfalls, as well as murals and statues of historical figures, philosophers and poets.
A 36km drive northeast takes you to Xi’an’s most famous attraction, the Army of Terracotta Warriors. They were made to order in 211BC by the first emperor of China, Qin Shi Huangdi, who used the forced labor of 700,000 subjects to create a mausoleum(陵庙) guarded by an entire army.
1.From the passage we can learn that a large sum of money of the local government in Xi’an is being ploughed into_______.
A. restoring the monuments
B. restoring the Pagoda
C. tourism industry
D. exploring the history
2.How many historical sites in Xi’an have been referred to in the passage?
A. Three B. Four C. One D. Six
3.What can we learn from the third paragraph about the Tang Paradise Theme Park?
A. Visitors are pleased with the survivals from the Tang Dynasty.
B. The natural waterfalls in it are very attractive.
C. It is totally recreated but is artistically pleasant.
D. Visitors can appreciate the full Tang Dynasty operas.
4.Which of the following can be the best title for the text?
A. Make a visit to ancient sites at once.
B. China’s ancient capital rises again.
C. Travel to the Army of Terracotta Warriors.
D. Take a view in the modern city.
高三英语阅读理解中等难度题查看答案及解析
As the capital of China's Shaanxi Province, Xi'an's long history was properly summed up by our English-speaking guide: "If Xi'an is the grandmother of cities, Beijing is a youth and Shanghai is just a baby in the womb. "
However, it was not until 1974, following the chance discovery of the Army of Terracotta Warriors by well-digging farmers, that Xi'an was once again pushed onto the international map. Three decades later, the local government is pouring funds into the tourism sector. Ancient monuments and museums are being restored, and various copies of Buddhist and Tang heritage are being constructed to help Chinese tourists rediscover their national heritage.
One of those ancient monuments is the Big Wild Goose Pagoda-Xi'an's most sacred (神圣的) monument-which was built in 652 by the monk Xuanzang ,who travelled across India for 18 years and returned with a precious collection of Buddhist sacred texts. In 1966,the Red Guards burnt the pagoda's scriptures, silk wall hangings and other relics in a bonfire that raged all night. But that destruction has largely been forgotten as tourists flock to the newly restored pagoda. The only original remainders-the empty shell of the seven-storey pagoda-light up at night, standing out in the city's skyline.
Xi'an is also displaying the glories of the ancient Tang Dynasty, with a 165-acre Tang Paradise Theme Park that is visited by flocks of tourist groups. Although every bit of this Tang heritage is recreated, it is artistically pleasing, landscaped with ponds and lakes, classical gardens, bridges, palaces and pavilions. Explore the vast area on a golf cart, hopping on and off to see shortened operas from the Tang Dynasty days, laser shows on the lake, highly structured man-made waterfalls, as well as murals and statues of historical figures ,philosophers and poets.
A 36km drive northeast takes you to Xi'an's most famous attraction, the Army of Terracotta Warriors. They were made to order in 221BC by the first emperor of China, Qin Shi Huangdi, who used the forced labour of 700,000 subjects to create a mausoleum(陵庙) guarded by an entire army.
1.From the passage we can learn that a large sum of money of the local government in Xi'an is being ploughed into .
A. restoring the monuments
B. restoring the Pagoda
C. tourism industry
D. exploring the history
2. How many historical sites in Xi'an have been referred to in the passage?
A. Three. B. Four. C. One. D. Six.
3. What can we learn from the fourth paragraph about the Tang Paradise Theme Park?
A. Visitors are pleased with the survivals from the Tang Dynasty.
B. The natural waterfalls in it are very attractive.
C. It is totally recreated but is artistically pleasant.
D. Visitors can appreciate the full Tang Dynasty operas.
4. Which of the following can be the best title for the text?
A. Make a visit to ancient sites at once.
B. China's ancient capital rises again.
C. Travel to the Army of Terracotta Warriors.
D. Take a view in the modern city.
高三英语阅读理解中等难度题查看答案及解析
Western conservation groups are seeking stricter laws to deal with trade in endangered wildlife, but Dr. Paul Jepson warns that this isn’t the best solution. He specially mentions the case of the Bali starling (八哥). Bringing in tougher laws created unexpected outcomes, which contributed to the bird’s extinction in the wild in 2006.
He said that the traditional law enforcement (执行) approach that prohibited ownership of the Bali starling in the 1980s and 1990s increased rather than reduced the demand for wild-caught Bali starlings. The bird has become a popular gift among the rich of Indonesia, who can gain more status by owning one.
Instead, a case-by-case analysis might be needed. Last year, he said, a bird association set up a network of breeders (饲养者) among the owners of Bali starling on the island of Java. By introducing a “crowd-breeding” model, it transformed the bird into a species whose price and source of supply were publicly known. This lessened the status of keeping such birds and thereby reduced their profitability to black market suppliers.
Another case was on Nusa Penida, an island southeast of Bali. A Balinese conservation group planned to release starlings on the island. Some tried to block the plan, saying the island was outside the birds’ native zone. Eventually, the Governor of Bali came up with a plan. The starlings were given to a local temple as a ceremonial offering before they were released. This gave the Bali starling status as a “sacred bird”, giving them protection under customary laws. Now the released starlings established a breeding population on Nusa Penida.
Dr. Jepson commented, “I do not want to condemn the international approach seeking tighter law enforcement, but this case study shows we should not oversimplify how we respond to the problem of the wildlife trade. There is a growing body of evidence that shows more different approaches are sometimes needed to fit with the local social and political realities. We should tailor solutions on more of a case-by-case basis.”
1.What might have sped up the wild Bali starling’s extinction in 2006?
A.The bad natural environment.
B.The side effect of strict protection laws.
C.The debate over the wildlife trade.
D.The popularity of the bird in the world.
2.Why was the “crowd-breeding” model introduced?
A.To make the Bali starling less profitable.
B.To cut off the supply to the black market.
C.To increase the demand for the Bali starling.
D.To block the strict laws passed by the government.
3.What can we learn from the case on Nusa Penida?
A.The starlings were protected as a result of stricter laws.
B.It is unwise to release starlings outside their native zone.
C.The starlings were endangered due to their reduced status.
D.Attaching spiritual value to the starlings helps protect them.
4.Which of the following will Dr. Jepson probably agree with?
A.Stricter enforcement is needed to protect biodiversity.
B.Those who seek tighter law enforcement should be blamed.
C.There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to the wildlife trade problem.
D.The problem of wildlife trade should be treated with determination.
高三英语阅读理解中等难度题查看答案及解析
Sasha Olsen, a fourth-grader at Pine Crest School in Fort Lauderdale, is working on releasing a book this summer to illustrate how the state of the oceans affects children.
The 10-year old went on a trip last summer with her family to Vietnam and Japan. She was horrified at the ocean’s pollution levels and dying sea animals. Back home she grew even more disturbed learning about the ocean conditions in South Florida. She sought the help of her cousin Narmina Aliyev. Together, they started a nonprofit, Iwantmyoceanback, in October.
Originally, the group started small, with friends coming together on the weekends to clean the beaches in Bal Harbour. Recently, however, it has hosted events to raise funds for beach cleanups and donate to conservation groups. The nonprofit is also trying to broaden its base by tapping into YouTube and other social media.
Sasha has started a YouTube channel where she posts videos from events and has begun a web series called Table Talks. In it, she interviews people from different professions about the oceans. After the interview, she and her guest will create a painting, signed by the guest, that will be auctioned (拍卖) off to raise money to donate to conservation-based organizations.
Jencarlos Canela, a popular Cuban American singer and telenovela star, was one of Iwantmyoceanback’s first followers and Sasha’s first guest. Canela, who has 3.4 million followers on Instagram, posted about the experience. “Sasha, you can count on me from now on for anything and congratulations on the work you’re doing to keep our oceans clean. You are so special and very talented!” he wrote.
Sasha and Aliyev hope to extend their work to neighboring cities such as Hollywood and Miami Beach. “We really want to make ourselves visible and accessible to all,” said Aliyev, the nonprofit’s vice president.
1.What do we know about Iwantmyoceanback?
A.It was set up by Sasha’s cousin.
B.It aims at ocean protection.
C.It was inspired by Sasha’s domestic travel.
D.It organizes cleanup activities in the neighborhood.
2.How does Sasha raise money on social media?
A.By calling on friends and relatives to donate.
B.By starting a YouTube channel and Table Talks.
C.By interviewing people from different professions.
D.By selling paintings created and signed by her guests.
3.What can we infer from Canela’s post on Instagram?
A.He is proud of being Sasha’s first guest.
B.He is one of Iwantmyoceanback’s first followers.
C.He is willing to make contributions to Sasha’s project.
D.His followers on Instagram posted about their cleanup experiences.
4.What is the best title of the text?
A.Sasha: a popular girl on the social media
B.Fourth-graders: devoted to beach cleanups
C.A 10-year old: making a difference to a better beach
D.A 10-year old: working on releasing a book this summer
高三英语阅读理解中等难度题查看答案及解析
The Asuncion zoo is looking for a mate for Coco, an endangered hyacinth macaw (蓝紫金刚鹦鹉),and it is the last known male of his species left in Paraguay.
Coco was sent to the zoo eight years ago. A recent DNA test showed that he is male. Zoo worker Celia said To avoid mixing species, the zoo has had to keep him apart from the other macaws, which has left him lonely and bored. "He is quite sociable, although he has only learned to say 'Hello', but when he hears music, he dances" Celia said
He has a yellow circle around his eyes that set off the rest of his blue feathers. He is more or less a cousin to Blu , he macaw that starts in the movie, Rio.That species, cyanopsitta-spixii(小蓝金刚鹦鹉),is all blue and even more endangered than the hyacinth macaw.
Like the bird in the movie, scientists hope to find Coco a mate to- rebuild the species. Because international laws against animal training are now so strict, nobody is willing to lend the zoo a female. "The best solution is to find a female hyacinth macaw in our country. " Celia said, "there are at least two other known hyacinth-macaws but without DNA test, it is impossible to know if they are female, and the owners are not willing to help,because the mating process can take some time and be a little hard on females.“
1.From the text we know that Coco____
A. is the last known hyacinth macaw
B. lives apart from the other macaws
C. has adapted to being left alone
D. can say "Hello" when he hears music
2.Why is it difficult to find a mate for Coco?
A. Because there is no known female macaw in Paraguay.
B. Because the international laws are against Coco mating.
C, Because the DNA test on female Coco takes time.
D. Because nobody is willing to hunt for a female.
3.It can be inferred from the text that______.
A. Coco stars Rio in a movie
B. Coco has only blue feathers on his body
C. Coco is the most endangered macaw
D. rebuilding the Coco's species will take time
4.Which of the following would be the best title?
A. Coco, a Rare Macaw-in Asuncion Zoo
B. Asuncion Zoo Is Seeking a Mate for Coco
C. Hyacinth Macaws Are Endangered in Paraguay
D. Coco, the Only Known Male Macaw in Paraguay
高三英语阅读理解中等难度题查看答案及解析
The conservation area is very important for preserving many animals and plants, which would ______ run the risk of becoming extinct.
A. otherwise B. therefore C. though D. instead
高三英语单项填空中等难度题查看答案及解析
For sustainable development, the government has decided to give________to those energy conserving and environment-friendly business in many aspects.
A. profit B. interest C. advantage D. preference
高三英语单项填空困难题查看答案及解析