Native to America, the cane toad (癩蛤蟆) was introduced to northern Queensland 70 years ago to control sugarcane beetles (甘蔗害蟲). The toads failed in that duty but spread across Queensland and into neighboring northern area.

Now it calmly invades(侵略)the states of Western Australia and New South Wales (NSW). NSW wildlife experts fear the amphibians--which have poisonous backs that kill hungry predators,(食肉動物)--will have a terrible effect on native animals.

Those fears may be about to be realized. Australia’s leading government research body, the  Commonwealth Science and Industry Research organization (CSIRO), forecasts a rise in average temperatures that will make NSW ideal living place for the cane toad.

Tony Robinson, head of CSIRO’s Wildlife,Pests,and Diseases Program, said climate change is increasing the amount of suitable living place for the toad.

“With climate change, the cane toads might go down as far as Sydney and some areas of Western Australia,” Robinson said.

Recent estimates put the pace of the toad’s westward march at nearly 17 miles(27 kilometers)a year and slightly slower from north to south.

More southerly cities, such as Melbourne and Adelaide, would likely remain too cold and dry to ever suit the toads, Robinson noted, but Perth could expect cane toads in five years’ time.

Sydney could see their arrival in the next 20 years.

Robinson said there is no 0ne method that will keep the toads under control.

The cane toads already cover at least half of Queensland and most of the northern country the toads are believed to number in the billions.

A Venezuelan virus was tried in the 1990s but had to be given up after it was found to also kill native frog species.

Scientists and governmental bodies believe a national approach is needed.

The main threat the toads cause to species such as dingos, quolls, goannas, and crocodiles is the poison contained in glands (腺) on each of the frogs' shoulders. The poison sprays out when the toads are threatened or handled roughly.

The poison is made up of 14 different chemicals. Together they cause rapid heartbeats, excessive salivation, convulsions, and paralysis.

Cane toads also compete, and usually win, the hunt for food and living space.

“If the government and other states combine resources, I believe we can achieve a very practical biological -control research program, ”Burns said.

72.Which of the following can be the best title of the passage?

       A.Poison Toads Leap Across Australia

       B.Strategies To Keep the Toads Under Control

       C.The Main Threat the Cane Toads Cause

       D.Climate Favours the Spread of Cane Toads.

73.According to the passage, which of the following is true about the cane toads?

       A.The cane toads are strong enough to kill dingos, quolls or even crocodiles.

       B.With 14 different kinds of poisons in its body, a cane toad always wins the hunt for food.

       C.The cane toad was brought to Australia to kill pests from America 70 years ago.

       D.The toads move westward and northward because there is plenty of food there.

74.It can be inferred from the passage that          .

       A.The cane toad bites its enemy dead when it is threatened or handled rudely.

       B.The cane toad has already threatened the survival of the native species.

       C.Scientists and governmental bodies have achieved a successful biological - control

program.

       D.The cane toad likes warm and wet weather.

75.The underlined words “the amphibians” in the third paragraph mean          .

       A.hungry predators                                B.sugarcane beetles

       C.the cane toads                                                     D.dingos

 

練習(xí)冊系列答案
相關(guān)習(xí)題

科目:高中英語 來源: 題型:閱讀理解

Running like the wind, roaring like thunder, tigers have long been feared and respected as a king of the animal world.But last week a report said that there are no more than 30 wild tigers left in south China.

    This was the conclusion of a team of scientists from China's State Forestry Administration and the World Nature Fund.

    The South China tiger, also known as the Chinese tiger, is native to southern China.In the 1950's, there were over 4000 tigers found in mountain forests in the country.But due to the destruction of their natural habitat and uncontrolled hunting, it has been pushed on to the list of the world's top ten most endangered species.

    Sixty-six of the big cats can be found in the cages of a dozen zoos around China.But they are nothing like their wild cousins.They have lost their natural skills such as hunting and killing.If they were set free they could not look after themselves.

    "Breeding has damaged the quality of the species", said Pei Enle, deputy director of the Shanghai Zoo.

    To reintroduce the species into the wild, the country started a programme to send five to ten young tigers to South Africa.Four of them have already arrived.Progress has been made as two elder tigers have recovered some of their instincts(本能)and can hunt wild animals by themselves at the African base.

    " South Africans are very experienced in reintroducing big animals to the wild.The country has very good natural conditions for the tigers to learn in", said Lu Jun, office director of the National Wildlife Research and Development Center." We tried in Fujian Province, but it was not successful as there was not a complete eco-chain(生物鏈) and there was a lack of space."

The tigers should return to China in 2007 when the reservations in Fujian are ready.

1.What is the main reason for the South China tiger becoming one of the world's top ten most endangered species?

    A.Because it has lost its natural instincts.  B.Because there is not a complete eco-chain.

    C.Because there is no space for it.   D.Because uncontrolled hunting has destroyed its natural living conditions.

2.How is the programme of sending several tigers to South Africa getting on?

    A.Its effect still remains to be seen.

    B.Two tigers can already compete with their wild cousins.

    C.Some of the tigers are already on the road to recovering their natural skills.

    D.The tigers should be able to recover their instincts completely by 2007.

3.By saying " but they are nothing like their wild cousins", the writer means that ______.

    A.they are no longer feared by other wild animals

    B.they don't know how to hunt or kill

    C.a(chǎn) complete change has resulted in the species because of breeding

    D.to reintroduce them into the wild has become an urgent task

4.What is the purpose of sending young tigers to South Africa?

    A.To help the tigers recover their ability to live in the wild.

    B.To provide them with a better environment.

    C.To get the tigers to go on a tour.

    D.To find a complete eco-chain for them.

5.Which one is not the reason for South Africa being chosen as the training place?

    A.Because the tigers can hunt wild animals by themselves at the African base.

    B.Because South Africans are skilled at dealing with the tigers.

    C.Because there is a complete eco-chain and enough space there.

    D.Because the country has good natural conditions for the tigers to learn in. 

查看答案和解析>>

科目:高中英語 來源:黑龍江省鶴崗一中2009-2010學(xué)年高一下學(xué)期期末考試試題(英語) 題型:完型填空


完形填空:閱讀下面短文,掌握其大意,然后從A、B、C、D四個選項中,選出可以填入空白處的最佳選項。(共20小題;每小題1.5分,滿分30分)
Good advice is like medicine for the soul. What kind of   36  have you recently received? Who do you go to get advice? Do you have a mentor(顧問)? A mentor is a   37  adviser.
Parents, teachers and friends are often great    38  . Sports figures, public officials, and nationally known figures can also be good   39   of mentors, but a person with whom you have a personal relationship will most likely be able to  40  you the best advice.
Mentors teach things that seem to be   41   sense. Proverbs are wise old sayings that are common in every language and   42   , and can sometimes be   43  for a non-native to understand. For example, all    44   glitters(閃爍)is not gold(some things are not as     45  as they appear ).
Advice columns(欄目) 46   newspapers and magazines are another way to  47   advice.  
Talk shows on radio and television are also very popular. Americans and Canadians love to      48   themselves. Many people are not   49   to ask for help or   50  about  a problem in order to receive advice. People generally will  51    their own experience to   52   their friends. Overcoming a difficult situation is  53  respected in North America. People love to offer motivational (激發(fā)性的)   54   and encouragement. One proverb, a friend in need is a friend indeed, shares the concept that a true friend will help you out when you are in    55   .
36. A. success          B. measure         C. position         D. advice
37. A. devoted            B. united             C. trusted             D. expected
38. A. interviewers      B. mentors           C. followers         D. competitors
39. A. examples           B. mentors           C. manners         D. services
40. A. consider         B. exchange       C. get               D. offer
41. A. present              B. attractive        C. common        D. especial
42. A. experience     B. difference       C. culture           D. behavior
43. A. simple            B. difficult          C. natural            D. brief
44. A. that              B. which        C. what             D. who
45. A. different        B. same          C. exciting          D. valuable
46. A. in               B. on          C. at             D. upon
47. A. reduce              B. add                 C. keep                D. get
48. A. enjoy                B. teacher           C. express           D. defeat
49. A. brave         B. afraid              C. honest            D. lucky
50. A. talk           B bring                C. care                D. look
51. A. remind              B. suggest            C. advise             D. share
52. A. lead to             B. set free            C. help out           D. look out
53. A. originally          B. highly             C. equally            D. closely
54. A. stories       B. sadness         C. movement       D. adventure
55. A. happiness      B. trouble           C. excitement     D. nature

查看答案和解析>>

科目:高中英語 來源:2013屆湖北省八市高三3月聯(lián)考英語試卷(帶解析) 題型:閱讀理解

Humans aren't the only species on the planet with a penchant for electronic gadgets(小配件).Zookeepers across the US and Canada are discovering that apes also get excited about Apps.
As part of a program called"Apps for Apes",12 zoos across the two countries have been introducing iPads into the entertainment time for orangutans,the giant furry red primates native to Indonesia and Malaysia.
"We are finding that,similar to people,they like touching the tablet,watching short videos of David Attenborough for instance,and looking at other animals and orangutans," said Richard Zimmerman,founding director of Orangutan Outreach,the non-profit that runs the program.
Twice weekly,orangutans are provided with access to the tablets.The animals spend from 15 minutes to half an hour using different Apps depending on their attention span.Apps designed for children that stimulate activities such as painting,music and memory games are among the most popular Apps with the apes.
"It is a lot like when we're showing children pop-up books,"said Zimmerman,adding that the orangutans are among the most intelligent primates,with the intelligence level of a young child.
The program,which relies on donated iPads, will soon be expanding to zoos across Australia, New Zealand, Japan and Europe.
【小題1】The word"penchant" in the first paragraph is closest in meaning to________________.

A.a(chǎn)warenessB.a(chǎn)ddictionC.impressionD.devotion
【小題2】Which of the following statements is true according to the article?
A.12 zoos are involved in the program in the US.
B.Orangutans were originally found in Indonesia and Malaysia.
C.Orangutan Outreach is a successful company which earns much money.
D.All the animals in the zoo spend from 15 minutes to half an hour using different Apps.
【小題3】It can be concluded from the passage that______________________________________.
A.the program has been successful in Europe
B.orangutans are nearly as smart as children of young ages
C.orangutans are the animals with thick shell
D.Apps are designed for orangutans to stimulate activities such as painting, and memory games
【小題4】Which can be the best title for the text?
A.Using Apps for ApesB.Let’s Help Zoos
C.Wonderful Zoos Welcome YouD.A Traditional Program Will Expand

查看答案和解析>>

科目:高中英語 來源:2012-2013學(xué)年湖北省八市高三3月聯(lián)考英語試卷(解析版) 題型:閱讀理解

Humans aren't the only species on the planet with a penchant for electronic gadgets(小配件).Zookeepers across the US and Canada are discovering that apes also get excited about Apps.

As part of a program called"Apps for Apes",12 zoos across the two countries have been introducing iPads into the entertainment time for orangutans,the giant furry red primates native to Indonesia and Malaysia.

"We are finding that,similar to people,they like touching the tablet,watching short videos of David Attenborough for instance,and looking at other animals and orangutans," said Richard Zimmerman,founding director of Orangutan Outreach,the non-profit that runs the program.

Twice weekly,orangutans are provided with access to the tablets.The animals spend from 15 minutes to half an hour using different Apps depending on their attention span.Apps designed for children that stimulate activities such as painting,music and memory games are among the most popular Apps with the apes.

"It is a lot like when we're showing children pop-up books,"said Zimmerman,adding that the orangutans are among the most intelligent primates,with the intelligence level of a young child.

The program,which relies on donated iPads, will soon be expanding to zoos across Australia, New Zealand, Japan and Europe.

1.The word"penchant" in the first paragraph is closest in meaning to________________.

A.a(chǎn)wareness         B.a(chǎn)ddiction          C.impression        D.devotion

2.Which of the following statements is true according to the article?

A.12 zoos are involved in the program in the US.

B.Orangutans were originally found in Indonesia and Malaysia.

C.Orangutan Outreach is a successful company which earns much money.

D.All the animals in the zoo spend from 15 minutes to half an hour using different Apps.

3.It can be concluded from the passage that______________________________________.

A.the program has been successful in Europe

B.orangutans are nearly as smart as children of young ages

C.orangutans are the animals with thick shell

D.Apps are designed for orangutans to stimulate activities such as painting, and memory games

4.Which can be the best title for the text?

A.Using Apps for Apes                     B.Let’s Help Zoos

C.Wonderful Zoos Welcome You             D.A Traditional Program Will Expand

 

查看答案和解析>>

科目:高中英語 來源:2012-2013學(xué)年江西南昌10所重點中學(xué)高三第二次模擬突破沖刺(三)英語試卷(解析版) 題型:閱讀理解

The Friends of the Amazon is a nonprofit association helping to preserve the forest, its wildlife and its native cultures in the Peruvian Amazon.  We are located 3 degrees south of the equator in the Region of Loreto, which is roughly the size of Montana and is one of the richest areas in the world in terms of flora(植物群) and fauna(動物群). Our team consists of lawyers, ecologists, sociologists, medical professionals and native Amazonians working together to protect the forest and its people from destruction. We use litigation(訴訟), filing lawsuits against those who seek to destroy the forest and its native cultures. In addition to legal processes, we promote health, education, and the conservation of native plants and animals.

The Amazon Rainforest is commonly referred to as the "lungs of the planet" whose trees are essential for absorbing carbon dioxide (CO2, a greenhouse gas that causes global warming) and converting it into oxygen, thereby mitigating the rise of global temperatures and climate change.  An estimated 120 billion tons of carbon dioxide is absorbed in the Amazon Rainforest and global emissions of carbon dioxide increase with every tree of the rainforest that is cut down. That is why the survival of the Amazon Rainforest is vital for the survival of our planet, without which rising global temperatures could melt the polar icecaps and cause flooding of our coastal cities. 

Currently, the Amazon is under siege(圍攻), with an estimated 1000 hectares being destroyed everyday.  After harvesting old growth forests, corporations are often replacing the native forest with palm oil plantations instead of reforesting with native tree species.  Palm oil trees are native to Africa, not the Amazon, and due to high profits, their promotion by international aid agencies and recent legislation in Peru, palm oil plantations represent perhaps the single greatest threat to the native Amazon Rainforest. 

In addition to conventional logging and deforesting to make room for crops such as palm oil and soybeans, the Amazon forest faces a new threat in the form of REDD projects and “Carbon Cowboys”.  REDD refers to Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation by using carbon offsets (“carbon credits”).  Under the guise of REDD projects, scammers are tricking native communities into signing unjust contracts in English without legal representation which essentially give these so called Carbon Cowboys the forest for free. These cheaters are making false promises of "billions of dollars in profits" from REDD and voluntary carbon offset (碳補償)projects by lying that they are representatives of the United Nations and World Bank in order to trick vulnerable indigenous Amazonians into ceding their land by signing unjust contracts with hidden clauses that give the Carbon Cowboys a power of attorney to do whatever they want with the forest for a period of 100 years.  Friends of the Amazon is actively filing lawsuits against these Carbon Cowboys and those who support them. 

For further information on our programs and to find out how you can help preserve the Amazon Rainforest, please contact:

Friends of the Amazon

153 Túpac Amaru Street

Iquitos, Peru

Phone: (+51) 985665374

For more specific information on supporting the goals of our nonprofit organization, please contact us using the email address listed below.

If you would like to learn how you can help preserve the Amazon Rainforest and its indigenous people, please contact us for more information at:

info(at)friendsoftheamazon.org

1.The Friends of the Amazon is the name of _________.

A.your best friend                        B.a(chǎn) non-profit organization

C.a(chǎn) historic hero                          D.a(chǎn) famous carbon cowboy

2.What does the underlined word “converting ” in the second paragraph mean?

A.changing          B.increasing         C.reducing          D.burning

3.Why is the survival of the Amazon Rainforest vital for the survival of our planet?

A.Because this forest absorbs a lot of carbon dioxide emitted by the world

B.Because people rely on this forest to get enough wood to build houses and furniture

C.Because people living here can get a large sum of compensation to offset carbon dioxide

D.Because the United Nations and the World Bank are helping preserving the land here

4.We can learn from the passage that palm oil trees _____________.

A.have produced much profit for the local people.

B.a(chǎn)re native to Amazon and fit in well with their surroundings

C.a(chǎn)re native to Africa and may do great harm to the native Amazon trees

D.a(chǎn)re used to replace the native forest because the local people can profit from them

5.The purpose of this article is _______.

A.introduce the largest rain forest in the world

B.to appeal to the government to take some measures to get rid of Carbon Cowboys

C.to advertise the rain forest as a favourite tourist destination

D.to arouse the awareness of the public to help conserve the “l(fā)ungs of our planet”

 

查看答案和解析>>

同步練習(xí)冊答案