Bats have long been one of the most feared creatures in the animal kingdom. Many pop culture associa
英语试题 04-08
Bats have long been one of the most feared creatures in the animal kingdom. Many pop culture associations with them are related to vampire (吸血鬼) men tempting women in order to suck their blood or witches putting evil curses on innocent individuals.
Although these associations are complete misunderstandings, bats do have a dark side as a dangerous disease carrier. These flying mammals can carry a number of deadly diseases such as rabies (狂犬病) and more recently Ebola. This has led many to wonder why we should even care about them.
Sure, there is good reason to be exceptionally cautious if you come into contact with bats. However, there is no denying the fact that bats play a significant role in keeping a balanced ecosystem.
Many organic farmers have learned about the benefits of having bats nearby to help manage the pests that show up without pesticides (杀虫剂). One brown bat—about the size of a human thumb can consume about 600 mosquitoes and other unwanted insects within an hour. They make for a fantastic, almost essential, addition to pest management on any farm.
Even large government organizations have realized the economic benefits of bats. The United States Geological Survey estimates that bat contributions to pest management save the country at least 3.7 billion dollars per year. Without them, we would likely experience a sharp drop in food production, which would eventually make its way into our weekly grocery bills.
As if this were not enough of an ecosystem service we receive, bats are also of great importance to a variety of plant species that are preferential to its pollination (传粉). Otherwise these plants would decrease their ability to reproduce by at least 50 percent.
A number of plant products consumed by humans fall into this preferential pollination category. Some popular foods include mangoes, bananas, peaches and guavas. Additionally, the agave (龙舌兰) plant, which is used to make tequila (龙舌兰酒), is completely dependent on bat pollinators for reproduction.
Bats are major contributors to our society. They are in the best interest of the international community to protect and even to promote. Amid significant fears housed by the general public, the fact is that we need them more than most of us imagine.
9．Why should we be cautious when we contact bats?
A．They carry diseases. B．They are aggressive.
C．They bring bad luck. D．They stay in the dark.
10．What are Paragraph 4, 5, 6 and 7 mainly about?
A．Our care about bats can never be too much.
B．Farming is simply impossible without bats.
C．Mosquitoes are a big threat to farming.
D．Bats make unusual contributions to us.
11．Who are the target readers of the passage?
A．The pop culture lovers. B．The general public.
C．The mass farmers. D．The environmentalists.
12．What can be a suitable title for the passage?
A．Bats Are Totally Harmful B．Creatures Do Wonders
C．Protection Is Under Way D．We Humans Need Bats
答案
Although these associations are complete misunderstandings, bats do have a dark side as a dangerous disease carrier. These flying mammals can carry a number of deadly diseases such as rabies (狂犬病) and more recently Ebola. This has led many to wonder why we should even care about them.
Sure, there is good reason to be exceptionally cautious if you come into contact with bats. However, there is no denying the fact that bats play a significant role in keeping a balanced ecosystem.
Many organic farmers have learned about the benefits of having bats nearby to help manage the pests that show up without pesticides (杀虫剂). One brown bat—about the size of a human thumb can consume about 600 mosquitoes and other unwanted insects within an hour. They make for a fantastic, almost essential, addition to pest management on any farm.
Even large government organizations have realized the economic benefits of bats. The United States Geological Survey estimates that bat contributions to pest management save the country at least 3.7 billion dollars per year. Without them, we would likely experience a sharp drop in food production, which would eventually make its way into our weekly grocery bills.
As if this were not enough of an ecosystem service we receive, bats are also of great importance to a variety of plant species that are preferential to its pollination (传粉). Otherwise these plants would decrease their ability to reproduce by at least 50 percent.
A number of plant products consumed by humans fall into this preferential pollination category. Some popular foods include mangoes, bananas, peaches and guavas. Additionally, the agave (龙舌兰) plant, which is used to make tequila (龙舌兰酒), is completely dependent on bat pollinators for reproduction.
Bats are major contributors to our society. They are in the best interest of the international community to protect and even to promote. Amid significant fears housed by the general public, the fact is that we need them more than most of us imagine.
9．Why should we be cautious when we contact bats?
A．They carry diseases. B．They are aggressive.
C．They bring bad luck. D．They stay in the dark.
10．What are Paragraph 4, 5, 6 and 7 mainly about?
A．Our care about bats can never be too much.
B．Farming is simply impossible without bats.
C．Mosquitoes are a big threat to farming.
D．Bats make unusual contributions to us.
11．Who are the target readers of the passage?
A．The pop culture lovers. B．The general public.
C．The mass farmers. D．The environmentalists.
12．What can be a suitable title for the passage?
A．Bats Are Totally Harmful B．Creatures Do Wonders
C．Protection Is Under Way D．We Humans Need Bats
答案
苏19057182-3号