Question

Four Wild Animal Species Were Endangered

Maybe you can still see them at the zoo. But that doesn’t mean they’re doing alright in the wild.

Tigers

All six tiger species are endangered, with Sumatran tigers and South Chin tigers at a seriously endangered status. The main reasons for their population decline are illegal hunting and destroyed habitats(栖息地), as humans clear forests to gather timber（木材）and build roadways. Only about 3890 tigers presently live in the wild.

Ground squirrels

That’s right, even squirrels are endangered, specifically the San Joaquin ground squirrel. Native to California, USA, these guys have been disappearing since 1979 on account of the construction and human developments going through their habitat. Their total population is unknown , but it could be anywhere between 124000 and 413000.

Giraffes

The International Union for the Conservation of Nature recently put giraffes at a vulnerable status, the level just before endangered. The giraffe population has declined 40 percent in the last 30 years, primarily due to loss of habitat and illegal hunting. Some giraffes are killed just for their tails, which are considered status symbols in Africa.

Asian elephants

The main threat to Asian elephants, one of the most intelligent animals, is their shrinking habitat. As the human population grows, people invade their land to build roads and railway tracks. Elephants in Myanmar are at an especially high risk for being captured and traded or used illegally in the tourist industry. Fewer than 50000 are left on the entire continent.

1.What is the total population of tigers living in the wild?

A. Around 3890.

B. 50000.

C. 124000.

D. 413000.

2.Which of the following is considered one of the most intelligent animals?

A. Tigers.

B. Giraffes.

C. Ground squirrels.

D. Asian elephants.

3.What is the common threat to the four wild animals?

A. Illegal hunting.

B. Disturbed habitat.

C. Developing tourism.

D. Unnecessary construction.

4.Which word can best describe the present situation for protecting wild animals?

A. Satisfactory.

B. Optimistic.

C. Urgent.

D. Stable.

Answer

1.A

2.D

3.B

4.C

【解析】本文主要介绍了四种濒危的野生动物，分别是老虎，地鼠，长颈鹿和亚洲象。人们依然可以在动物园中看到它们的身影，但在野外，它们生活的并不是那么好。

1.细节题。根据文章第二段中的Only about 3890 tigers presently live in the wild.可知，目前野外大约只有3890只老虎存活，故选A。

2.细节题。根据小标题Asian elephants后的段落中The main threat to Asian elephants, one of the most intelligent animals, is their shrinking habitat.可知，亚洲象被认为是最聪明的动物之一。故选D。

3.细节题。根据第二段The main reasons for their population decline are illegal hunting and destroyed habitats可知，老虎濒危的主要原因是人类非法猎杀以及栖息地被破坏。根据第三段中的Native to California, USA, these guys have been disappearing since 1979 on account of the construction and human developments going through their habitat.可知，地鼠濒危的主要原因是人类的发展影响到了它们的栖息地。根据第四段中的The giraffe population has declined 40 percent in the last 30 years, primarily due to loss of habitat and illegal hunting可知，长颈鹿数量减少主要是因为栖息地减少和非法猎杀。根据第五段中的The main threat to Asian elephants, one of the most intelligent animals, is their shrinking habitat.可知，亚洲象数量减少也是因为正在减少的栖息地。综合这些细节信息可知，本文介绍的四种动物都面临的威胁是栖息地问题。故选B。

4.推理判断题。通读全文可知本文主要介绍了四种濒危动物以及它们数量减少的原因。satisfactory令人满意的；optimistic乐观的，积极的；urgent急迫的；stable稳定的。分析可知，既然是濒危动物，那么它们的生活状况肯定是不容乐观的，所以保护野生动物的现状是急迫的。故选C。