文章大意:本文是一篇说明文。这篇文章讲述了由于南极洲未受人类干扰而成为最后一片真正的荒野地区,但自1990年以来,越来越多的游客开始前往南极洲旅游。然而,一项新研究表明,游客可能会带来有害细菌,从而影响南极洲的本土鸟类种群。专家认为,唯一的防止鸟类破坏的办法是制定更严格的规定或遵守已有的规定,并且希望官员能够尽快采取措施保护易受伤的鸟类。
Thanks to its cold environment, Antarctica (南极洲) remained largely untouched by humans for thousands of years. However, since the 1990s, the last true wilderness on the planet is becoming an increasingly popular destination for tourists. Now, a new study shows that the visitors may be bringing harmful bacteria (细菌) which could reduce the area’s native bird population.
Researchers believed that the Antarctic creatures were not affected by the danger due to the continent’s extreme weather. However, microbiologist Martà Cerdà-Cuéllar didn’t believe this was true. She and some colleagues decided to examine samples from Antarctic birds for evidence of human bacteria. To ensure the waste was not polluted, the scientists had to collect it from the birds themselves. This was no easy task. If they missed catching a skua at first go, the bird never came close again.
It took the scientists four years, from 2008 to 2011, to collect fecal (粪便) samples of 666 adult birds from 24 local species. The results of their study showed the presence of several types of human bacteria in the bird waste.
“While we should do as much as possible to reduce transmission (传播), it’s hard to believe that we can stop tourism and science at these sites, and so it is hard to believe that humans won’t continue to transmit pathogens (病原体),” said Kyle Elliott.
Experts, including González-Solís, believe the only way to prevent the destruction of the birds, is to introduce stricter regulations or, at least, obey the ones already in place. For example, while the Antarctica Treaty states clearly visitors carry their waste back home to protect the original environment, the regulation is rarely obeyed. Hopefully, officials will take steps to protect the easily injured birds as soon as possible.
12. What can be said about scientists finding the waste from the birds?
A.This was not an easy task. | B.This proved their conclusion. |
C.Their tempers contributed a lot. | D.They found polluted human bacteria. |
13. How does Kyle Elliott feel when mentioning reducing tourism?
A.Hopeful. | B.Difficult. | C.Possible. | D.Delighted. |
14. What’s author’s suggestions to protect Antarctic birds ?
A.Make new strict rules. | B.Take measures as soon as possible. |
C.Quit the Antarctic Treaty | D.Encourage officials to strengthen cooperation. |
15. In which part of a newspaper is this text probably found?
A.Technology. | B.Life. | C.Art. | D.Science. |