2014江苏省南京市高考英语阅读理解巩固自练（二）及答案.docVIP

2014江苏省南京市高考英语阅读理解巩固自练（2）及答案 阅读理解 (2013·西安市标准化考练，D) Up to 45 rare species of Australian animals are in danger of becoming extinct within 20 years, scientists warned in a report. But hope is not lost! According to the report, the species can be saved if immediate action is taken to control their natural predators (天敌) and other threats. The threatened animals can be found in the faraway Kimberley region of northwestern Australia. The region is similar in square miles to California. Thirty percent of the endangered species are unique to the region, while others have already disappeared in other parts of Australia. Dr. Tara Martin, a research scientist said in the report, ?A large extinction event is happening in Australia. The north has really been the last stronghold (主要栖息地) for many species of birds and mammals and reptiles. The Kimberley is really their last chance on earth.” Many of the species are under threat because they are hunted by wild cats. These cats kill around 500 000 native animals in the Kimberley region every day. The species face another threat, too. Their native habitat is also being destroyed by wildfires and by wild donkeys and goats that compete for food and water. Humans introduced cats, donkeys and goats to Australia to be farm animals or pets. However, their populations have exploded in the region because they have few natural predators. The report calls for $ 95 million to immediately start protection programs. The report also suggests reducing wild donkey and goat populations in the region, building fences, fighting wildfires and educating the community about how to help the endangered species. Richard Hobbs, an ecologist at the University of Western Australia, says the costs are worthwhile because the measures will not be too difficult to carry out. 文章大意：本文是一篇调查报告。在澳大利亚有多达45种稀有动物在接下来的二十年里将会灭绝。报告主要讲述了这些物种所面临的危险并提出了保护它们应该采取的一些措施。 13．Which of the following should be done to protect the rare species of Australian animals? A．Providing new hab