2.
Like most bees,the ground nesting Anthophora squammulosa bees(花條蜂) live alone.The females lay their eggs in little underground nests and then head out to search for food to feed their developing larvae(幼蟲(chóng)).This process usually takes place in environments with plenty of plants,to insure a reliable supply of food.
So you can imagine how Hilary Erenler felt when she came across some Anthophora squammulosa bees around the ashes of the active Masaya volcano.How could they survive in such a severe condition!
The bees appeared to be living in a small area of ash close to what is called"kill zone"by researchers,The area is known i:or its extreme temperatures which can get as high as 42°C (107.6°F).
Then what do these bees eat?Former research has shown that they feed on a wide variety of plants.However,the insects living on the Masaya volcano's edge are not so lucky.When the scientists analyzed the food from the female bees'bodies,they discovered that 99 percent of all food collected came from a hardy wildflower that can stand the hard conditions.
The researchers think the bees live here to keep safe.It could also be because very few plants can grow on the volcano's side.As a result,the underground bee nests aren't broken up by their fast-growing roots:,as often happens in"normal"environments.But safe as they may appear,Erenler notes that this group of bees could be in even more danger.A volcano eruption or the death of the single plant they depend on for food would destroy the entire population.
Researchers warn we shouldn't stop our conservation efforts to save the precious insects that are dying at shocking rates owing to the loss of habitat and human behavior.
25.How did Hilary Erenler feel when seeing Anthophora squammulosa bees around the Masaya volcano?C
A.Frightened.
B.Painful.
C.Surprised.
D.Delighted.
26.How did the researchers learn about what the bees eat?C
A.By looking for their habitat.
B.By observing them in the lab.
C.By examining the food in the bees'bodies.
D.By referring to previous study records.
27.Why do these bees live around the volcano according to the researchers?A
A.They could find safety there.
B.They like the hot temperature.
C.They are raised there for experiments.
D.There is a special flower they like best.
28.What can we infer about the bees from the text?B
A.The females lay larvae.
B.Their future is worrying.
C.They are in large numbers.
D.They live in the roots of the plants.