外研版（2019）高中英语必修第一册 Unit5 Using language 能力提升练.docxVIP

PAGE2 / NUMPAGES2 Unit5 Using language 能力提升练 一、阅读理解 （2021四川成都外国语学校高一上学期期中） As the climate warms, birds are shrinking（缩小）and their wingspans are growing, according to a new study. Researchers analyzed 70,716 birds from 52 kinds of North American migratory（迁徙的）bird species collected over 40 years. The authors say the study is the largest of its kind and that the findings are important to understanding how animals will adapt to climate change. We found almost all of the species were getting smaller, said lead author Brian Weeks, an assistant professor at the University of Michigan. The species were pretty diverse, but responding in a similar way, he said. The consistency（一致性）was shocking. He said studies of animal responses to climate change often focus on shifts in the geographical range or timing of life events, like migration and birth. But this study suggests body morphology（形态）is a crucial third aspect. Thats one major implication, he said. Its hard to understand how birds will adapt without taking all three of these things into consideration. The findings showed that from 1978 to 2016, the length of the birds lower leg bone shortened by 2.4%. Over the same time, the wings lengthened by 1.3%. The evidence suggests warming temperatures caused the decrease in body size, which in turn caused the increase in wing length. Migration is an incredibly taxing thing they do, Mr. Weeks said, explaining that the smaller body size means less energy available for the birds to complete their long journeys. He says the birds most likely to survive migration were the ones with longer wingspans and smaller bodies. The scientists arent exactly sure why warmer temperatures cause birds to shrink. One theory is that smaller animals are better at cooling off, losing body heat more quickly. 1. Whats the best title for the text? A. All of the Birds Are Getting Smaller B. Animals Are Adapting to Climate Change C. Climate Change Is Causing Birds to Shrink D. Scientists Are Findin