New research shows sheep are clever
People often make jokes about how dull sheep are, but new research shows they may be cleverer than we think. Researchers at the University of Cambridge discovered that Welsh mountain sheep have brainpower that equals rodents (啮齿动物). Tests found that the sheep can map the area they live in, and some may even be able to plan ahead.
Young fish prefer noisy neighbors
A new study has shown that young fish like to live on reefs with noisy neighbors! Researchers from the universities of Auckland and Bristol found that young fish looking for a home choose areas where other noisy fish live. The scientists produced all kinds of sounds which had been recorded in different natural environments. The young fish seemed to prefer the sounds of natural reefs, complete with noisy animals! The scientists compared the choice to a music fan wandering around at a music festival, choosing to set up a tent closest to the music they like best!
Butterflies are disappearing
A new study has shown that 17 species (物种) of butterfly found in Europe have dropped by 70% in the last 20 years. The information collected from 3,000 sites across 15 countries shows it may be caused by the loss (减少) of grasslands covered with flowers. You can encourage butterflies to come into your garden by planting flowers.
56. What is the passage mainly about?
A. Some new studies about animals.
B. People’s wrong ideas about animals.
C. Why the number of animals has dropped.
D. The importance of protecting animals.
57. According to the first paragraph, we may infer that sheep _____.
A. are less clever than rodents
B. can find their home
C. can read maps
D. are good planners
58. When young fish are looking for a home, they like to _____.
A. live in a noisy environment
B. live in areas close to their parents
C. choose the reefs which are quiet
D. choose other kinds of fish as neighbors
59. Which seems to have to do with the number of butterflies?
A. The species of grass in grasslands.
B. The species of trees in grasslands.
C. The number of flowers in grasslands.
D. The number of animals in grasslands.
60. In which part of a newspaper can we most probably read the passage?
A. Geography. B. Culture. C. Travel. D. Nature